First report of the Newly Introduced Asian Long-horned Tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, in wildlife areas in the state of Georgia, USA. Público

Abstract

Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae), the Asian longhorned tick, is invasive in the United States. Originally from East Asia, this tick rapidly expands its range to include most of the habitats where it is introduced. From initial detection in New Jersey in 2017, H. longicornis has invaded over 18 states and 195 counties. The goal of this study was to determine if H. longicornis is established in Georgia, USA. Existing research into habitat suitability and reports of existing collections informed the selection of field sites for this study. Sites selected changed over both field seasons based on new data available from the USDA about H. longicornis in the USA. Over 10,000 ticks collected over 2 years were dichotomously identified, and then suspected samples of H. longicornis received molecular confirmation. The 2022 field season involved collecting ticks from 42 State parks and wildlife management areas throughout Georgia. From all sites surveyed, we collected 3 H. longicornis nymphs in Buck Shoals wildlife management area in White County, Georgia. This is the first collection of H. longicornis on public land. This difference in habitat indicates that the general habitat in Georgia could be suitable for H. longicornis establishment. Further research will occur at this location and the locations previously identified as suitable to understand the establishment of this species within Georgia.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION: 1

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 3

RESULTS: 9

DISCUSSION: 11

SIGNIFICANCE: 13

REFERENCES 17

About this Master's Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Environmental Health
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Biology, Entomology Environmental Health Biology, Ecology
Palabra Clave	H. longicornis ticks invasive species
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Gonzalo Vazquez-Prokopec, Emory University

Última modificación

Primary PDF

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions
	First report of the Newly Introduced Asian Long-horned Tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, in wildlife areas in the state of Georgia, USA. ()	2023-04-20 14:40:26 -0400	Press to Select an action Download

Supplemental Files

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions