Researchers identify new tick species Alaska
by Chynna Lockett |
If you were out enjoying a hike on a warm day and happened to encounter individuals dragging large white fabric squares through the grass, you鈥檝e likely witnessed a tick drag. In recent years, 新加坡六合彩开奖鈥檚 very own research team headed by Micah Hahn, Associate Professor of Environmental Health in the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies have been conducting drags in local areas.
鈥淵ou just walk through the woods and you pull the fabric behind you. Every 10 meters you stop, and you look at your fabric to see if you've collected any ticks,鈥� explained Hahn.
These drags are part of an ongoing effort to research Alaska鈥檚 changing tick population.
Historically, ticks haven鈥檛 been a health concern in the state, and there鈥檚 no evidence
that the six species native to Alaska carry pathogens that harm people or animals.
But factors like climate change and increased travel have created a more hospitable
environment for ticks.
In recent years, nine non-native tick species have been found in Alaska. Some of these ticks are able to transmit pathogens that cause illnesses like Lyme disease. Because Alaska is vast and undeveloped, Hahn鈥檚 small team can鈥檛 cover enough land with tick drags to collect accurate data. So they partnered with the Alaska Office of the State Veterinarian and the Alaska Department Fish and Game to create the .
鈥淧eople are always sending ticks to us,鈥� said Hahn. 鈥淎nyone in the state who finds one on themselves, their animals, their personal luggage, or on wildlife can pull it off, put it in a vial and ship it to our state vet.鈥�
When the team receives a tick, an entomologist identifies the species and enters it into a database to track the population. This method allows researchers to collect ticks from larger sample areas than they would otherwise be able to survey themselves. Hahn recently published a highlighting their findings from 2010-2022.
The evidence shows ticks are still a low level public health problem for Alaska, despite the changing population. Monitoring the population helps catch health hazards early and prevent illnesses from spreading. Hahn suggests brushing up on before traveling to help prevent ticks from hitching a ride to Alaska from the lower 48.
鈥淚f you find a tick don鈥檛 freak out,鈥� Hanh said with a laugh. 鈥淚f you go hiking, do a tick check that evening and pull a tick off, you're probably fine. They probably didn't have enough time to transmit the bacteria. If you're concerned, save your tick and watch for symptoms of .鈥�
Hahn says following these steps and sharing the tick and your travel history can help doctors quickly diagnose health problems. Learn how you can get involved though the .
Read more in the news!
- Awards
- Community
- COVID-19
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Alaska Health Misinformation Response Project
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies