scholarly journals Baptism of fire: Modeling the effects of prescribed fire on tick-borne disease

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Guo ◽  
Folashade B. Agusto
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Prescribed Fire ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Impulsive System ◽  
Fire Intensity ◽  
Tick Population ◽  
Prescribed Burns ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Cost Efficient

Recently, tick-borne illnesses have been trending upward and are an increasing source of risk to people's health in the United States. This is due to range expansion in tick habitats as a result of climate change. Thus, it is imperative to find a practical and cost-efficient way of managing tick populations. Prescribed burns are a common form of land management that can be cost efficient if properly managed and can be applied across large amounts of land. In this study, we present a compartmental model for ticks carrying Lyme disease and uniquely incorporate the effects of prescribed fire using an impulsive system to investigate the effects of prescribed fire intensity (high and low) and the duration between burns. Our study found that fire intensity has a larger impact in reducing tick population than the frequency between burns. Furthermore, burning at high intensity is preferable to burning at low intensity whenever possible, although high intensity burns may be unrealistic due to environmental factors. Annual burns resulted in the most significant reduction of infectious nymphs, which are the primary carriers of Lyme disease.

scholarly journals Human Coinfection withBorrelia burgdorferiandBabesia microtiin the United States

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen L. Knapp ◽  
Nancy A. Rice
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Causative Agent ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Immunological Response ◽  
The United States ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Current State ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Multiple Pathogens

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, andBabesia microti, a causative agent of babesiosis, are increasingly implicated in the growing tick-borne disease burden in the northeastern United States. These pathogens are transmitted via the bite of an infected tick vector,Ixodes scapularis, which is capable of harboring and inoculating a host with multiple pathogens simultaneously. Clinical presentation of the diseases is heterogeneous and ranges from mild flu-like symptoms to near-fatal cardiac arrhythmias. While the reason for the variability is not known, the possibility exists that concomitant infection with bothB. burgdorferiandB. microtimay synergistically increase disease severity. In an effort to clarify the current state of understanding regarding coinfection withB. burgdorferiandB. microti, in this review, we discuss the geographical distribution and pathogenesis of Lyme disease and babesiosis in the United States, the immunological response of humans toB. burgdorferiorB. microtiinfection, the existing knowledge regarding coinfection disease pathology, and critical factors that have led to ambiguity in the literature regarding coinfection, in order to eliminate confusion in future experimental design and investigation.

scholarly journals Development and Validation of a Serologic Test Panel for Detection of Powassan Virus Infection in U.S. Patients Residing in Regions Where Lyme Disease Is Endemic

mSphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela M. Thomm ◽  
Anna M. Schotthoefer ◽  
Alan P. Dupuis ◽  
Laura D. Kramer ◽  
Holly M. Frost ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
The United States ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Powassan Virus ◽  
Tick Borne Disease

Approximately 100 cases of POWV disease were reported in the United States over the past 10 years. Most cases have occurred in the Northeast (52) and Great Lakes (45) regions (https://www.cdc.gov/powassan/statistics.html). The prevalence of POWV in ticks and mammals is increasing, and POWV poses an increasing threat in a greater geographical range. In areas of the Northeast and Midwest where Lyme disease is endemic, POWV testing is recommended for patients with a recent tick bite, patients with Lyme disease who have been treated with antibiotics, or patients with a tick exposure who have tested negative for Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses and have persistent symptoms consistent with posttreatment Lyme disease. Testing could also benefit patients with tick exposure and unexplained neurologic symptoms and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients with known tick exposure. Until now, diagnostic testing for Powassan virus has not been commercially available and has been limited to patients presenting with severe, neurologic complications. The lack of routine testing for Powassan virus in patients with suspected tick-borne disease means that little information is available regarding the overall prevalence of the virus and the full spectrum of clinical symptoms associated with infection. AsIxodes scapularisis the tick vector for Powassan virus and multiple other tick-borne pathogens, including the Lyme disease bacterium,Borrelia burgdorferi, the clinical presentations and long-term outcomes of Powassan virus infection and concurrent infection with other tick-borne disease pathogens remain unknown.

scholarly journals Exploring the effects of prescribed fire on ticks spread and propagation in a spatial setting

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Fulk ◽  
Weizhang Huang, Weizhang ◽  
Folashade Agusto
Keyword(s):  
Prescribed Fire ◽  
Prescribed Burning ◽  
Equation System ◽  
The United States ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Differential Equation System ◽  
Prescribed Burns ◽  
The Past ◽  
Controlled Burning ◽  
Number Of Factors

Lyme disease is one of the most prominent tick-borne diseases in the United States and prevalence of the disease has been steadily increasing over the past several decades due to a number of factors, including climate change. Methods for control of the disease have been considered, one of which is prescribed burning. In this paper the effects of prescribed burns on the abundance of ticks present in a spatial domain are assessed. A spatial stage-structured tick-host model with an impulsive differential equation system is developed to simulate the effect that controlled burning has on tick populations. Subsequently, a global sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the effect of various model parameters on the prevalence of infectious nymphs. Results indicate that while ticks can recover relatively quickly following a burn, yearly, high-intensity prescribed burns can reduce the prevalence of ticks in and around the area that is burned. The use of prescribed burns in preventing the establishment of ticks into new areas is also explored and it is observed that frequent burning can slow establishment considerably.

scholarly journals Practical Guide to Trapping Peromyscus leucopus (Rodentia: Cricetidae) and Peromyscus maniculatus for Vector and Vector-Borne Pathogen Surveillance and Ecology

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika T Machtinger ◽  
Scott C Williams
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Eastern United States ◽  
Ixodes Pacificus ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Pathogen Surveillance

Abstract Arthropods pests are most frequently associated with both plants and vertebrate animals. Ticks, in particular the blacklegged ticks Ixodes scapularis Say and Ixodes pacificus Cooley & Kohls (Acari: Ixodidae), are associated with wildlife hosts and are the primary vectors of Lyme disease, the most frequently reported vector-borne disease in the United States. Immature blacklegged ticks in the eastern United States frequently use small mammals from the genus Peromyscus as hosts. These mice are competent reservoirs for Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, as well as other tick-borne pathogens. To conduct surveillance on immature ticks and pathogen circulation in hosts, capture and handling of these small mammals is required. While protocols for rearing and pest surveillance on plants are common, there are very few protocols aimed at entomologists to conduct research on vertebrate–arthropod relationships. The goal of this manuscript is to provide a practical template for trapping Peromyscus spp. for vector and vector-borne pathogen surveillance and ecology for professionals that may not have a background in wildlife research. Important considerations are highlighted when targeting P. leucopus Rafinesque and P. maniculatus Wagner. Specifically, for tick and tick-borne disease-related projects, materials that may be required are suggested and references and other resources for researchers beginning a trapping study are provided.

scholarly journals 1720. Regional Differences in Trends of Hospitalizations Associated With Tick-Borne Diseases in the United States, 2009–2014

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S52-S53
Author(s):  
Jennifer Adjemian ◽  
Yi Ling Lai ◽  
Emily Ricotta ◽  
D Rebecca Prevots
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
The United States ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
The South ◽  
The West ◽  
Annual Percent Change ◽  
Regional Trends ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Rising Incidence

Abstract Background Tick-borne diseases are increasing in incidence in the United States; however, limited data exist on regional trends of associated hospitalizations. Using a nationally distributed dataset of US hospital-based medical records, we aimed to assess trends in incidence of hospitalizations from tick-borne disease by geographic region. Methods Data were examined from 156 US hospitals from 2009 to 2014 to identify hospitalizations with tick-borne disease. Cases were described and Poisson regression used to estimate the annual percent change (APC) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) in incidence by region over time. Results Overall, 2,543 hospitalized patients with tick-borne disease were identified (average annual incidence = 28.4 cases/100,000 hospitalized persons), including 1,613 (63%) with Lyme disease, 379 (15%) tick-borne fever, 293 (12%) ehrlichiosis, 93 (4%) babesiosis, 43 (2%) rickettsiosis, and 122 (4%) multiple tick-related diagnoses. Tick-borne diseases varied significantly by region, with Lyme disease more frequent in those residing in the Northeast (68%) than the South (57%) or West (42%) and tick-borne fever more common in the West (28%) vs. the South (18%), Midwest (14%), and Northeast (13%) (P < 0.0001). Significant increases in tick-borne disease hospitalizations were identified across nearly all US regions, ranging from 15% per year in the South (95% CI=8–24%) to 45% per year in the West (34–58%), with the exception of the Northeast, where incidence declined by 6% per year (0.04–11%). Lyme disease hospitalizations showed similar trends, with the greatest increase in the South (APC = 53%, 95% CI = 33–76%) and a decrease in the Northeast (APC = 13%; 3%–23%). Hospitalizations with tick-borne fever increased in the Midwest (APC = 49%; 8–206%) and Northeast (APC = 18%; 4–34%); with ehrlichiosisincreased in the West (APC = 231%; 75–306%); and with babesiosis increased in the South (APC = 50%; 12–201%) and the Midwest (APC = 21%; 5–39%). Conclusion Incidence of hospitalizations from tick-borne disease is increasing throughout much of the nation, except in the Northeast where decreases in Lyme disease were observed. While hospitalizations with tick-borne diseases remain rare, the increases noted are substantial and may reflect rising incidence of these diseases within the represented states. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Reservoir host community and vector density predict human tick-borne diseases across the United States

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael B. Mahon ◽  
Jason R. Rohr
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
The United States ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
Host Community ◽  
Continental Scale ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Tick Borne Disease

AbstractIn the United States, tick-borne disease cases have tripled since the 1990s and cost upwards of 10 billion USD annually. Tick density and densities and diversity of non-human mammalian reservoir hosts are hypothesized to drive tick-borne disease dynamics and are targets for interventions. Here, we relate human prevalence of four tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease, monocytic ehrlichiosis, granulocytic anaplasmosis, and babesiosis) to tick and reservoir host community data collected by the U.S. National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) across the contiguous U.S. We show that human disease prevalence is correlated positively with tick and reservoir host densities and negatively with mammalian diversity for Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, but positively for anaplasmosis and babesiosis. Our results suggest that the efficacy of tick-borne disease interventions depends on tick and host densities and host diversity. Thus, policymakers and disease managers should consider these ecological contexts before implementing preventative measures.SignificanceTick-borne disease incidence has increased in the United States over the last three decades. Because life-long symptoms can occur if reactive antibiotics are not administered soon after the tick bite, prevention is imperative. Yet, control of tick-borne zoonoses has been largely unsuccessful, at least partly because of a limited understanding of the ecological complexities of these diseases, especially non-Lyme disease tick-borne zoonoses. We use continental-scale data to quantify the relationships among four tick-borne diseases and tick and reservoir host communities, revealing that disease incidence is driven by a combination of tick densities and reservoir host densities and diversity. Thus, the efficacy of tick-borne disease interventions is likely dependent on these ecological contexts.

Mosquito and Tick-borne Illnesses in the United States. Guidelines for the Recognition and Empiric Treatment of Zoonotic Diseases in the Wilderness.

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-257
Author(s):  
Suresh Antony
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Rocky Mountain ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever ◽  
Number Of Patients

Background:In the United States, tick-borne illnesses account for a significant number of patients that have been seen and treated by health care facilities. This in turn, has resulted in a significant morbidity and mortality and economic costs to the country.Methods:The distribution of these illnesses is geographically variable and is related to the climate as well. Many of these illnesses can be diagnosed and treated successfully, if recognized and started on appropriate antimicrobial therapy early in the disease process. Patient with illnesses such as Lyme disease, Wet Nile illness can result in chronic debilitating diseases if not recognized early and treated.Conclusion:This paper covers illnesses such as Lyme disease, West Nile illness, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, Ehrlichia, Tularemia, typhus, mosquito borne illnesses such as enteroviruses, arboviruses as well as arthropod and rodent borne virus infections as well. It covers the epidemiology, clinical features and diagnostic tools needed to make the diagnosis and treat these patients as well.

scholarly journals Prescribed burning in a mediterranean-climate region mitigates the disturbance by bushfire to a critical food resource for an endangered bird, the Carnaby’s cockatoo

Fire Ecology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie S. Densmore ◽  
Emma S. Clingan
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Prescribed Burning ◽  
Fire Regime ◽  
Fire Hazard ◽  
Food Resource ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Fire Intensity ◽  
Prescribed Burns ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Percentage Survival

Abstract Background Prescribed burning is used to reduce fire hazard in highly flammable vegetation types, including Banksia L.f. woodland that occurs on the Swan Coastal Plain (SCP), Western Australia, Australia. The 2016 census recorded well over 1.9 million people living on the SCP, which also encompasses Perth, the fourth largest city in Australia. Banksia woodland is prone to frequent ignitions that can cause extensive bushfires that consume canopy-stored banksia seeds, a critical food resource for an endangered bird, the Carnaby’s cockatoo (Calyptorynchus latirostris, Carnaby 1948). The time needed for banksias to reach maturity and maximum seed production is several years longer than the typical interval between prescribed burns. We compared prescribed burns to bushfires and unburned sites at three locations in banksia woodland to determine whether low-intensity prescribed burns affect the number of adult banksias and their seed production. Study sites were matched to the same vegetation complex, fire regime, and time-since-fire to isolate fire intensity as a variable. Results Headfire rates of spread and differenced normalized burn ratios indicated that prescribed burning was generally of a much lower intensity than bushfire. The percentage survival of adult banksias and their production of cones and follicles (seeds) did not decrease during the first three years following a prescribed burn. However, survival and seed production were significantly diminished followed high-intensity bushfire. Thus, carrying capacity for Carnaby’s cockatoo was unchanged by prescribed burning but decreased markedly following bushfire in banksia woodland. Conclusions These results suggest that prescribed burning is markedly different from bushfire when considering appropriate fire intervals to conserve canopy habitats in fire-resilient vegetation communities. Therefore, low-intensity prescribed burning represents a viable management tool to reduce the frequency and extent of bushfire impacts on banksia woodland and Carnaby’s cockatoo.

scholarly journals Facilitating Prescribed Fire in Northern California through Indigenous Governance and Interagency Partnerships

Fire ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Tony Marks-Block ◽  
William Tripp
Keyword(s):  
Political Ecology ◽  
Prescribed Fire ◽  
Prescribed Burning ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Fire Suppression ◽  
The United States ◽  
Northern California ◽  
Prescribed Burn ◽  
California Department ◽  
State Regulations

Prescribed burning by Indigenous people was once ubiquitous throughout California. Settler colonialism brought immense investments in fire suppression by the United States Forest Service and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CAL FIRE) to protect timber and structures, effectively limiting prescribed burning in California. Despite this, fire-dependent American Indian communities such as the Karuk and Yurok peoples, stalwartly advocate for expanding prescribed burning as a part of their efforts to revitalize their culture and sovereignty. To examine the political ecology of prescribed burning in Northern California, we coupled participant observation of prescribed burning in Karuk and Yurok territories (2015–2019) with 75 surveys and 18 interviews with Indigenous and non-Indigenous fire managers to identify political structures and material conditions that facilitate and constrain prescribed fire expansion. Managers report that interagency partnerships have provided supplemental funding and personnel to enable burning, and that decentralized prescribed burn associations facilitate prescribed fire. However, land dispossession and centralized state regulations undermine Indigenous and local fire governance. Excessive investment in suppression and the underfunding of prescribed fire produces a scarcity of personnel to implement and plan burns. Where Tribes and local communities have established burning infrastructure, authorities should consider the devolution of decision-making and land repatriation to accelerate prescribed fire expansion.

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