Where Did All These Ticks Come From, and Now What Do We Do?

Control of tick infestations and tick-transmitted diseases can be difficult and frustrating. While acaricide resistance is often blamed, it is well documented that various biologic and ecologic factors are responsible for most perceived control failures. An area of well-documented concern is the range expansion and increased density of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, and the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, and their associated tick-borne infections. As if already dealing with a number of indigenous tick species wasn't bad enough, a new foreign invader, the longhorned tick, has further complicated the lives of veterinarians and pet owners. This lecture will highlight the host, habitat, and climatic factors that have contributed to changes in tick distribution, density, and seasonality. Information will also be presented on how changes in tick range and density have contributed to spread of tick-transmitted diseases. Current data on tick product performance and implementing effective tick control strategies will also be discussed.