NC Ticks: the Common Species, their Biology, Behavior, and Medical Importance This presentation is presented by: Minor Barnette, NCSWEOA 10/22/2015 (Created by: Bruce A. Harrison, PhD Taxonomist/Public Health Entomologist Clemmons, NC ) Thank you Dr. Harrison!

Questing behavior

Lone Star Tick

Proper tick removal

Avoiding Ticks Avoid activity in tick infested areas. Stay on paths, avoid brush and tall grass. Wear light colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot. Wear long pants and long sleeved shirt. Tuck pant cuffs into socks or boots; tuck shirt-tails into pants. Use repellents. Permethrin is most effective against ticks. Follow label directions. Check frequently for ticks on clothing and skin. Remove attached ticks quickly.

Avoiding ticks

Ticks have evolved along with and are primarily parasites of various wildlife host species. Tick stages = egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The last three stages require a blood meal to complete their life cycle. Growth = by shedding skin (molts) between stages. Reproduction = oviposition of fertilized eggs. Humans are incidental hosts for ticks.

Tick life cycle

Common wildlife hosts of ticks in NC American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) larvae and nymphs vole white-footed mouse adults dog raccoon Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) dog raccoon birds deer gray squirrel larvae, nymphs and adults (except birds) larvae and nymphs adults birds w-f mouse Black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) skink dog deer X

Why are ticks efficient vectors? Environmentally tolerant. Each stage may feed on a different host, or the same host. Feed on a variety of wildlife species. Feed for a long period of time. Consume a large volume of blood. Long-lived. Often transmit pathogens transovarially.

Tick bites occasionally result in transmission of pathogens. For Lyme disease, the erythema migrans rash occurs at the site of the tick bite. For RMSF, the rash occurs on the wrists and ankles, palms and soles, and spreads to the trunk of the body.

Ticks and Disease in NC Lyme disease ( Borrelia burgdorferi s.s.) Southern tick associated rash illness (STARI) ? Spotted fevers (Rickettsia rickettsii, parkeri, etc.) Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia chaffeensis, ewingi, etc.) Anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum) Tick paralysis (caused by a tick neurotoxin)

Ticks Commonly Found in North Carolina Dermacentor variabilis - American dog tick, only adults on people. Common throughout the state. Amblyomma americanum - Lone star tick, adults, nymphs and larvae on people. Most common in eastern 1/2 of the state. Range is spreading. Ixodes scapularis - Black-legged tick, only adults on people. Nymphs rarely on people in the south. State wide, but most common in Coastal Plain counties. Rhipicephalus sanguineus - Brown dog tick, common on dogs, rarely on people. Widespread but less common since new topical treatments on dogs.

Identification:Short mouthparts, festoons, white markings Distribution:Throughout North Carolina Vector of: Spotted fevers, Tularemia, Ehrlichiosis, tick paralysis FemaleMale Larva Nymph short mouthparts festoons Dermacentor variabilis American Dog Tick white markings 53

Early symptoms of RMSF and related rickettsial infections Patients usually much sicker than with Lyme/STARI Higher fever Bad headache Shaking chills Muscle aches Often no rash MUST BE TREATED PROMPTLY ON SUSPICION After 6 days, if left untreated, there is a 25% or higher mortality rate

Black-legged tick (= Ix. scapularis) Identification:Long mouthparts, black legs, red color, no festoons Distribution:In North Carolina primarily in the coastal plain and piedmont counties Vector of:Lyme, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis Female Male Nymph no festoons black legs long mouthparts 54

LarvaNymph M adultF adult Black-legged tick, the primary vector of Lyme Disease (= Ixodes scapularis) Note Small size of Nymphs7

Rash Examples- STARI and Lyme Disease Multiple lone star tick larval bites Erythema migrans: STARI Erythema migrans: Lyme disease (Master’s NY-MO) Lyme disease

Lone star tick Identification:Long mouthparts, round shape females with white spot, festoons Distribution:Exceptionally common throughout coastal plain and eastern piedmont, less common in western NC Vector of:Ehrlichiosis, STARI, tick paralysis, ? Lyme disease Female Male Nymph “lone star” spot round shape white markings along festoons long mouthparts 52 Lone Star Tick Amblyomma americanum

Lone Star tick is the most important nuisance species in NC. Most abundant tick species in the southeastern US. All stages readily attack humans.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus Brown dog tick Identification: Short mouthparts, festoons no white markings Distribution: Throughout North Carolina can reproduce indoors Vector of: RMSF, dog pathogens, others Male Female Larva Engorged tick festoons short mouthparts 55

Typical peridomestic environment surrounding case-patient homes, found to be heavily populated by Rh. sanguineus ticks Environmental Assessment Rocky Mountain spotted fever

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