"Passive Tick Surveillance at The University of Maine Cooperative Exten" by Thomas F. Rounsville, Griffin M. Dill et al.
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Original Research

Abstract

Introduction: Maine has experienced a rise in tick-borne diseases over the past several decades, reflecting broader trends in the northeastern United States. Ixodes scapularis is now found statewide and is the primary vector of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, Borrelia miyamotoi, and Powassan virus. Other emerging tick species pose additional threats.

Methods: The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab conducts a public tick-testing program. Ticks submitted by the public between 2019 and 2024 were microscopically identified and tested with multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction panels for known and emerging pathogens, including B. burgdorferi, A. phagocytophilum, B. microti, B. miyamotoi, Rickettsia rickettsii, Francisella tularensis, Ehrlichia spp., Powassan virus, and Heartland virus.

Results: A total of 22 151 ticks were submitted from 466 municipalities. Ixodes scapularis was the most commonly submitted tick species, followed by Dermacentor variabilis. Midcoastal counties exhibited both high submission rates and elevated pathogen prevalence. B. burgdorferi was most frequently detected, followed by A. phagocytophilum and B. microti. Powassan virus and B. miyamotoi were detected at low rates.

Discussion: Our study confirms the important role I. scapularis plays in Maine’s tick-borne disease landscape and highlights the need for surveillance of emerging tick species and their associated pathogens. We also note geographic clusters of tick submissions and elevated pathogen prevalence from Maine’s midcoastal region.

Conclusions: This passive surveillance initiative highlights Maine’s evolving tick-borne disease risks. Ongoing monitoring, improved diagnostic techniques, and community engagement will be important for guiding public health responses and mitigating the burden of emerging and established tick-borne threats.

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