Ticks have long been problematic vectors of various diseases that affect humans and animals. Controlling their growth and spread has also been a challenge to public health officials. A new study shows that understanding the effect of geographical terrain on tick populations may help in controlling them.
University of New Hampshire scientists on Monday announced they have discovered a previously undiagnosed parasite transmitted by ticks as well as a virus in the medium-sized cat known for its long ears. The virus is similar to the Epstein-Barr virus that causes mononucleosis in humans and is related to a virus that infects domestic cats.
Last Friday, the news came: Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks had indeed overwintered and were found on the property once again in mid-April. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJDFW) announced that ticks collected from the property this month were confirmed to be Haemaphysalis longicornis by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory.
https://entomologytoday.org/2018/04/24/invasive-tick-persists-new-jersey/
From Seabird McKeon:
Hi Naturalists! If you are participating in the #citynaturechallenge2018, we would love a field report to include in the naturalist podcast (naturalistpodcast.com). We have set up a voicemail box so you can leave a message of your adventures (under 1 minute please!). The voicemail number is (407) 965-5789. There is no dedicated message, so please leave a name, rough location (park, etc) and city team as basic info. After that, we’d love to hear about the local biodiversity that you saw/heard/experienced. If anyone wants to sent photos or video, please address those to naturalistpodcast@gmail.com.
