My research focuses on the population genetics and ecology of the New World Screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax. Broadly, I am interested in parasites and their evolution. Screwworms have been eradicated from North and Central America but, because they still exist in much of the Caribbean and South America, outbreaks can and do occur. Through my research we have been able to identify the origin of the Florida 2016 outbreak and develop a diagnostic tool for future outbreaks. I aim to improve surveillance and control of this pest through researching their spatial ecology and factors that lead to their success as parasites.

• Publications

  • (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)
  • Lack of host-associated differentiation in Ixodes scapularis using population genetics-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    
    
  • An alternative chicken-based diet for mass-rearing screwworm flies, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Hickner, P.V., Sagel, A., Quintero, G., Vasquez, M., Tietjen, M., Lohmeyer, K.H., Arp, A.P. 2023. An alternative chicken-based diet for mass-rearing screwworm flies, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Journal of Economic Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toad219.
    
  • Development of a diagnostic SNP panel for identifying geographic origins of Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Tietjen, M., Arp, A.P., Lohmeyer, K.H. 2023. Development of a diagnostic SNP panel for identifying geographic origins of Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm. Veterinary Parasitology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109884.
    
  • Insights into the genetic landscape and presence of Cochliomyia hominivorax in the Caribbean -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Tietjen, M., Pfeiffer, V., Poh, K.C. 2022. Insights into the genetic landscape and presence of Cochliomyia hominivorax in the Caribbean. Parasitology Research. 122:547-556. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-022-07757-4.
    
  • Geographic population genetic structure of the New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae), using SNPs -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Tietjen, M., Perez De Leon, A.A., Sagel, A., Skoda, S.R., Phillips, P.L., Mitchell III, R.D., Duran, U., Tortosa, S., Arp, A.P. 2022. Geographic population genetic structure of the New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae), using SNPs. Journal of Medical Entomology. 59(3):874-882. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjac024.
    

• Projects

  Integrated Pest Management of Flies of Veterinary Importance In-House Appropriated (D)   Accession Number:436658

  Improved Methods for the Management of Dipteran Pests of Livestock In-House Appropriated (D)   Accession Number:447033