Location: Virus and Prion Research
Title: Surveillance and detection of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) in protected areas from Georgia, USAAuthor
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FAUSETT, ELENOR - Emory University |
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OSCAR, KIRSTEIN - Israel Ministry Of Agriculture |
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BELLMAN, STEPHANIE - Emory University |
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LONG, AUDREY - Emory University |
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ROESKE, ISABELA - Emory University |
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CHENG, CHUN - Emory University |
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PIANTADOSI, ANNE - Emory University |
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Anderson, Tavis |
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VAZQUEZ-PROKOPEC, GONZALO - Emory University |
Submitted to: Journal of Medical Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/24/2024 Publication Date: 5/1/2024 Citation: Fausett, E.N., Oscar, K.D., Bellman, S., Long, A., Roeske, I., Cheng, C., Piantadosi, A., Anderson, T.K., Vazquez-Prokopec, G.M. 2024. Surveillance and detection of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) in protected areas from Georgia, USA. Journal of Medical Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjae051. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjae051 Interpretive Summary: Emerging pathogens, particularly those of zoonotic origin, are an important contributor to the rapid increase in the global burden of infectious disease. Heartland virus is a newly identified tick-borne virus in the US that may be vectored by endemic and invasive tick species. To determine areas that had competent vectors for Heartland virus, we conducted tick surveys across the State of Georgia. These data demonstrated a significant increase in a novel invasive tick species, the Asian longhorned tick, within the native ecosystem beyond farmlands and private land. The establishment of the Asian longhorned tick in the native Georgia environment could alter the interactions between native tick species and may also change Heartland virus transmission as it is a competent vector for this virus and other native pathogens. Technical Abstract: The invasion of the Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, into the United States poses a significant ecological, veterinarian and public health threat. We conducted a comprehensive tick sampling in the State of Georgia to identify the presence of H. longicornis in the native ecosystem and identify specific habitat types that favor its establishment. Out of a combined 56 State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas surveyed, one of them was found to be invaded by H. longicornis. The increase in tick numbers between 2021-2023 points to rapid spread of H. longicornis in the environment. Our findings provide evidence of rapid establishment within the southern edge of suitability for H. longicornis within the native ecosystem beyond farmlands and private land. |