For tomahawk leaders
WISCONSIN – Marshfield Clinic Research Institute (MCRI) continues its Tick Inventory in Citizen Science (TICS) study through this fall.
“Many Wisconsinites are getting outdoors to enjoy the beautiful fall weather by hiking, hunting, and picking apples and pumpkins,” the Marshfield Clinic said in a statement. “However, although the peak breeding season for ticks has passed, the ticks are still active.”
Since TICS began its investigation in April, it has identified more than 5,400 ticks sent in by Wisconsin residents, according to a statement.
TICS researchers are still asking the public to donate ticks to the study.
“Deer ticks, the primary disease vector in Wisconsin, often reach a second peak in the fall,” says MCRI Associate Researcher Alexandra Linz.
“This study first began in central Wisconsin with the expectation of receiving several hundred ticks,” the Marshfield Clinic said. “So far, participation in TICS has exceeded expectations.”
Of the ticks collected, approximately 4,200, or more than 75%, were American dog ticks, and the majority of the rest were deer ticks. Much of the difference is likely due to large tree ticks being easier to spot than smaller deer ticks, according to the Marshfield Clinic.
“Due to the small size of deer ticks and their potential to transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, it’s important to perform a tick check after spending time in the woods or grassy areas,” Lindt said.
The Marshfield Clinic said the influx of ticks allowed researchers to detect much rarer species in Wisconsin, including 13 lone star ticks, which cause alpha-gal syndrome, also known as meat allergy. said.
“This is a concerning species that is being found more frequently in the Midwest,” the Marshfield Clinic said.
Dozens of ticks have been submitted from northern and central Wisconsin, including the Tomahawk region.
The Marshfield Clinic noted that Hunter could contribute to research.
“If you’re out hunting, you can check the number of ticks removed and report that as well,” Marshfield Clinic said. “You’re more likely to find ticks near your eyes and ears, and they’ll start to fall off when your body cools down, so it’s best to get them checked as soon as possible.”
Boxes of kits are also available at many locations: Rib Mountain State Park, George Mead Wildlife Regional Education Center, Castle Rock Veterinarian in Marshfield, and the Marshfield Clinic.
For more information or to request a prepaid collection kit, please contact us at (email protected) or 1-715-389-7796 (ext. 16462).
Parks and nature centers interested in providing kits for their visitors are also encouraged to contact MCRI.
Marshfield Clinic said: “Dead or live ticks can be placed in collection kits and submitted by simply dropping them in the post.” “Ticks on people or pets are welcome. Each kit has a unique identification number and people can find out the type of tick they submitted via an online dashboard.”
TICS continues collecting ticks until winter, when tick activity ends for the year.
