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Johnson B, Snellgrove AN, McBride SE, Hartzer K, Levin ML, Nicholson WL. Acquisition of Rickettsia rickettsii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) by Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) through co-feeding with infected Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae) in the laboratory. J Med Entomol 2023; 60:1380-1387. [PMID: 37963277 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis (Neumann) is an invasive ixodid tick originating from eastern Asia which recently has become established in the United States. In its native range, this tick can transmit several pathogens to animals and humans, but little is known about its ability to acquire and transmit pathogens native to the United States. Geographic overlap with ticks such as Dermacentor variabilis (Say), a known vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, makes investigation into the interactions between H. longicornis and D. variabilis of interest to the public health community. Previous studies have shown that H. longicornis can serve as a competent vector of R. rickettsii under laboratory settings, but there is little information on its ability to acquire this pathogen via other biologically relevant routes, such as co-feeding. Here, we assess the ability of H. longicornis nymphs to acquire R. rickettsii through co-feeding with infected D. variabilis adults on a vertebrate animal model under laboratory conditions. The median infection prevalence in engorged H. longicornis nymphs across 8 cohorts was 0% with an interquartile range (IQR) of 4.13%. Following transstadial transmission, the median infection prevalence in flat females was 0.7% (IQR = 2.4%). Our results show that co-feeding transmission occurs at low levels in the laboratory between these 2 species. However, based on the relatively low transmission rates, this may not be a likely mechanism of R. rickettsii introduction to H. longicornis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britny Johnson
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Alyssa N Snellgrove
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sara E McBride
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Indiana State Department of Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kris Hartzer
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael L Levin
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William L Nicholson
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Dye-Braumuller KC, Gual-Gonzalez L, Abiodun T, Rustin LP, Evans CL, Meyer MM, Zellars K, Neault MJ, Nolan MS. Invasive Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) investigation in South Carolina: new records of establishment, pathogen prevalence, and blood meal analyses. J Med Entomol 2023; 60:1398-1405. [PMID: 37658780 PMCID: PMC10645392 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The first established population of the Asian longhorned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (Neumann, Acari: Ixodidae) was discovered in a northern South Carolina county in June 2022. A coordinated investigation was launched to investigate the invasive tick's pathogen infection prevalence and blood meal preferences. Almost 2,000 Ha. longicornis ticks were collected from one cattle field. A majority of collected ticks had evidence of cattle and dog blood meals, and multiple samples were tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and Theileria orientalis-first reports for these pathogens in this tick species in South Carolina. This investigation was the direct result of a collaborative education campaign and tick surveillance program launched earlier in the year with multiple state partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyndall C Dye-Braumuller
- Laboratory of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Suite 327, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Lídia Gual-Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Suite 327, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Titi Abiodun
- Laboratory of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Suite 327, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Lauren P Rustin
- Vector-Borne Diseases Laboratory, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, South Carolina Public Health Laboratory, 8500 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203, USA
| | - Chris L Evans
- Vector-Borne Diseases Laboratory, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, South Carolina Public Health Laboratory, 8500 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203, USA
| | - Madeleine M Meyer
- Laboratory of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Suite 327, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Kia Zellars
- Laboratory of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Suite 327, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Mike J Neault
- Office of the State Veterinarian, College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, Clemson University, 500 Clemson Road, Columbia, SC 29229, USA
| | - Melissa S Nolan
- Laboratory of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Suite 327, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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Rochlin I, Benach JL, Furie MB, Thanassi DG, Kim HK. Rapid invasion and expansion of the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) into a new area on Long Island, New York, USA. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102088. [PMID: 36436461 PMCID: PMC9898124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Since its discovery in the United States in 2017, the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) has been detected in most eastern states between Rhode Island and Georgia. Long Island, east of New York City, a recognized high-risk area for tick-borne diseases, is geographically close to New Jersey and New York sites where H. longicornis was originally found. However, extensive tick surveys conducted in 2018 did not identify H. longicornis on Long Island. In stark contrast, our 2022 tick survey suggests that H. longicornis has rapidly invaded and expanded in multiple surveying sites on Long Island (12 out of 17 sites). Overall, the relative abundance of H. longicornis was similar to that of lone star ticks, Amblyomma americanum, a previously recognized tick species abundantly present on Long Island. Interestingly, our survey suggests that H. longicornis has expanded within the Appalachian forest ecological zone of Long Island's north shore compared to the Pine Barrens located on the south shore of Long Island. The rapid invasion and expansion of H. longicornis into an insular environment are different from the historical invasion and expansion of two native tick species, Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick or deer tick) and A. americanum, in Long Island. The implications of H. longicornis transmitting or introducing tick-borne pathogens of public health importance remain unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Rochlin
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Jorge L Benach
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Martha B Furie
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - David G Thanassi
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Hwan Keun Kim
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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Petersen M, Maree R, Viljoen A, Liebenberg JE, Guerino F. Efficacy of fluralaner chewable tablets (Bravecto ®) against Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) infestations of dogs. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:60. [PMID: 36755268 PMCID: PMC9909906 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05664-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The parthenogenic reproductive ability of Haemaphysalis longicornis, facilitating quick life cycle completion and rapid geographic spread and its pathogen vector potential make infestations a risk to human and canine health. Two 90-day studies were initiated to evaluate the efficacy of a single fluralaner administration for the treatment and prevention of H. longicornis infestations on dogs. METHODS Dogs were randomly assigned (10 dogs/group) to either an untreated control group or a group treated once (Day 0) with 13.64% w/w fluralaner chewable tablets (Bravecto®) at the minimum label dose rate of 25 mg/kg. Each dog was infested with approximately 50 H. longicornis ticks on Days -9 or -6 and on Days -2, 28, 58 and 88. A different US tick isolate was used in each study. Tick counts were completed on Days -7 or -4, 2, 30, 60 and 90. The primary efficacy criterion was a 90% reduction in arithmetic mean tick counts between the treated and control groups. For between-group comparisons at any assessment, at least six control dogs were required to retain at least 25% of the infestation dose (13 live ticks). RESULTS Pre-study infestations demonstrated susceptibility of all study dogs to challenge with H. longicornis. At each subsequent assessment in both studies, at least seven untreated control dogs retained ≥ 25% of the challenge, demonstrating adequate infestations for each efficacy calculation. On Days 2, 30, 60 and 90 the mean live tick infestation rate (number of ticks recovered from each dog/infesting challenge of each dog) of untreated control dogs ranged from 27.8 to 60.8%. No live ticks, free or attached, were found on any fluralaner-treated dog in either study. Between-group differences were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.0002) at each assessment. CONCLUSION At the minimum recommended label dose rate of 25 mg/kg, fluralaner chewable tablets were 100% effective in eliminating H. longicornis ticks from dogs infested at the time of treatment. Complete efficacy against both US isolates of this tick was maintained through 90 days following a single treatment. Therefore, fluralaner is a treatment of choice for protecting dogs against this invasive tick species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Petersen
- grid.417993.10000 0001 2260 0793Merck Animal Health, De Soto, KS 66018 USA
| | | | - Alta Viljoen
- grid.479269.7Clinvet South Africa, Bloemfontein, 9338 South Africa
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Petersen M, Maree R, Pretorius H, Liebenberg JE, Guerino F. Efficacy of two topical fluralaner formulations (Bravecto®; Bravecto® Plus) against Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) infestations of cats. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:36. [PMID: 36703156 PMCID: PMC9881378 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05658-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The invasive tick species, Haemaphysalis longicornis, is becoming established in the USA, presenting a growing threat to dogs and cats. Two 90-day studies were initiated, the same protocol in each, to confirm the efficacy of a single application of two fluralaner formulations against H. longicornis infestations of cats. METHODS Cats were randomized among three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio (10 cats/group). Group 1 cats were untreated controls; Group 2 cats were treated with a topical fluralaner formulation (Bravecto®); Group 3 cats received a topical formulation containing fluralaner and moxidectin (Bravecto® Plus). Treatments were administered once (Day 0) at the label dose rates. Each cat was infested with 50 H. longicornis ticks on Day 7 for study qualification and also infested with 50 ticks on Days 2, 28, 58 and 88. Tick counts were completed on Days 5, 2, 30, 60 and 90. The primary objective was based on percentage reductions in arithmetic mean tick counts. RESULTS Pre-study infestations showed all study cats were susceptible to tick challenge. Except for Day 2 in one study, at least six control cats retained ≥ 25% of each challenge, demonstrating an adequate infestation for efficacy assessments. Across studies on Days 2, 30, 60 and 90, the mean live tick infestation rate (number of ticks recovered from each cat/infesting challenge to each cat) of Group 1 cats ranged from 25.0 to 69.6%. Efficacy of each formulation, based on live tick counts, was 100% on Day 2 and > 95 to 100% at each subsequent assessment. Between-group differences were statistically significant (P < 0.0001) for each treatment versus control comparison. CONCLUSION At the label dose rate, both topical fluralaner formulations were 100% effective in eliminating H. longicornis ticks from cats infested at the time of treatment. Efficacy of > 95 to 100% was then maintained through 90 days following a single application. Fluralaner is therefore a treatment of choice for protecting cats against this invasive tick species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Petersen
- grid.417993.10000 0001 2260 0793Merck Animal Health, De Soto, KS 66018 USA
| | | | - Henda Pretorius
- grid.479269.7Clinvet South Africa, Bloemfontein, 9338 South Africa
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Pandey M, Piedmonte NP, Vinci VC, Falco RC, Daniels TJ, Clark JA. First Detection of the Invasive Asian Longhorned Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) on Migratory Passerines in the Americas. J Med Entomol 2022; 59:2176-2181. [PMID: 36166571 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann), native to East Asia, was first reported in the United States in 2017 and is now established in at least 17 states. Haemaphysalis longicornis feeds on birds in its range outside of the United States, and migratory birds disperse this tick and tick-borne pathogens. However, early studies in the United States did not find H. longicornis on migrating passerine birds. The transport of the parthenogenetic H. longicornis on birds has the potential to greatly expand its range. We report the first discovery of H. longicornis on migratory passerine birds in the Americas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medha Pandey
- Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station, Fordham University, 31 Whippoorwill Road, Armonk, NY 10504, USA
| | - Nicholas P Piedmonte
- New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower Albany, NY 12237, USA
- New York State Department of Health, Louis Calder Center, Fordham University, 31 Whippoorwill Road, Armonk, NY 10504, USA
| | - Vanessa C Vinci
- New York State Department of Health, Louis Calder Center, Fordham University, 31 Whippoorwill Road, Armonk, NY 10504, USA
| | - Richard C Falco
- New York State Department of Health, Louis Calder Center, Fordham University, 31 Whippoorwill Road, Armonk, NY 10504, USA
| | - Thomas J Daniels
- Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station, Fordham University, 31 Whippoorwill Road, Armonk, NY 10504, USA
| | - J Alan Clark
- Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station, Fordham University, 31 Whippoorwill Road, Armonk, NY 10504, USA
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Price KJ, Witmier BJ, Eckert RA, Boyer CN. Recovery of Partially Engorged Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks from Active Surveillance. J Med Entomol 2022; 59:1842-1846. [PMID: 35851919 PMCID: PMC9473650 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The invasive Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, has rapidly spread across the northeastern United States and is associated with pathogens of public health and veterinary concern. Despite its importance in pathogen dynamics, H. longicornis blood-feeding behavior in nature, specifically the likelihood of interrupted feeding, remains poorly documented. Here, we report the recovery of partially engorged, questing H. longicornis from active tick surveillance in Pennsylvania. Significantly more engorged H. longicornis nymphs (1.54%) and adults (3.07%) were recovered compared to Ixodes scapularis nymphs (0.22%) and adults (zero). Mean Scutal Index difference between unengorged and engorged nymph specimens was 0.65 and 0.42 for I. scapularis and H. longicornis, respectively, suggesting the questing, engorged H. longicornis also engorged to a comparatively lesser extent. These data are among the first to document recovery of engorged, host-seeking H. longicornis ticks and provide initial evidence for interrupted feeding and repeated successful questing events bearing implications for pathogen transmission and warranting consideration in vector dynamics models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith J Price
- Division of Vector Management, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Harrisburg, PA 17110, USA
| | | | - Rebecca A Eckert
- Department of Environmental Studies, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
| | - Christian N Boyer
- Division of Vector Management, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Harrisburg, PA 17110, USA
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Cumbie AN, Whitlow AM, Arneson A, Du Z, Eastwood G. The Distribution, Seasonal Abundance, and Environmental Factors Contributing to the Presence of the Asian Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis, Acari: Ixodidae) in Central Appalachian Virginia. J Med Entomol 2022; 59:1443-1450. [PMID: 35640632 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, Haemaphysalis longicornis, the Asian longhorned tick, has undergone a geographic range expansion in the United States, from its historical range in east Asia. This tick has been characterized by its frequent parasitism of livestock, an ability to reproduce through parthenogenesis, and its ability to transmit a variety of vector-borne pathogens to livestock, wildlife, and human hosts in its native geographic range. Thus far in the United States, 17 states have reported H. longicornis populations, including 38 counties in Virginia. These numbers come from presence-absence reports provided to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but little has been reported about this ticks' seasonality in Virginia or its habitat preferences. Our current study detected H. longicornis populations in seven of the nine surveyed counties in Virginia. Haemaphysalis longicornis were observed in multiple habitat types including mixed hardwood forests and pastures, with abundant H. longicornis populations detected at one particular pasture site in Wythe County. This study also attempted to investigate environmental conditions that may be of importance in predicting tick presence likelihood. While sample size limited the scope of these efforts, habitat type and climatic metrics were found to be important indicators of H. longicornis collection success and abundance for both the nymphal and larval life stages. This current study reports useful surveillance data for monitoring these tick populations as they become established in the western half of Virginia and provides insight into their current distribution and maintenance over a large study region.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Cumbie
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - A M Whitlow
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - A Arneson
- Department of Statistics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, College of Science, Blacksburg, VA 24601, USA
| | - Z Du
- Department of Statistics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, College of Science, Blacksburg, VA 24601, USA
| | - G Eastwood
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Virginia Tech Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens (CEZAP) and the VT Global Change Center, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Xu G, Ribbe F, McCaffery J, Luo CY, Li AY, Rich SM. Development of a Taqman Real-Time PCR for the Identification of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae). J Med Entomol 2022; 59:1484-1487. [PMID: 35640022 PMCID: PMC9278840 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, a vector of various pathogens with medical and veterinary importance, is a recent invasive species in the United States. Like many tick species, discerning H. longicornis from congeners can be a challenge. To overcome the difficulty of morphological identification, a Taqman quantitative real-time PCR based on the internal transcribed spacer gene (ITS2) was developed for quick and accurate identification of H. longicornis with a detection limit of as low as 19.8 copies. We also applied the assay to 76,004 archived ticks and found 37 ticks were H. longicornis. One H. longicornis was submitted from Warren, Somerset County, New Jersey in June 2015, 2 yr earlier than the initial report from the United States. None of these 37 H. longicornis was positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, B. miyamotoi, B. mayonii, Babesia microti, or Ehrlichia muris-like agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fumiko Ribbe
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Joseph McCaffery
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Chu-Yuan Luo
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | | | - Stephen M Rich
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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Roberts L, Brauer B, Nicholson WL, Ayres BN, Thompson KR, Claborn DM. First Record of the Asian Longhorned Tick Haemaphysalis longicornis in Missouri. J Am Mosq Control Assoc 2021; 37:296-297. [PMID: 34817609 DOI: 10.2987/21-7035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, is an invasive species, originally from eastern Asia, and was first reported in the USA in New Jersey. It is now reported in several eastern states. In 2018, researchers reported H. longicornis in northwest Arkansas (Benton County). This tick species is a proven vector of livestock and human diseases, which prompted the current survey of ticks in southwest Missouri. A tick drag in Greene County, Missouri, produced 2 H. longicornis nymphs on June 9, 2021. This is the first report of this species for both the state and county.
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Sherpa P, Harrington LC, Piedmonte NP, Wunderlin K, Falco RC. Optimal Collection Methods for Asian Longhorned Ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in the Northeast United States. J Med Entomol 2021; 58:2255-2263. [PMID: 34080012 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, is an invasive species in the United States. Since its earliest recorded presence in West Virginia in 2010, H. longicornis has been reported from 15 states. While its public health significance in the United States is unclear, globally it transmits pathogens that infect livestock and humans, causing economic losses and substantial morbidity. Management and control of H. longicornis requires knowledge of its biology, ecology, and distribution. Here, we address the need for effective collection methods for host-seeking H. longicornis as an important step for accurately assessing tick abundance and potential disease risk. The number of H. longicornis collected were compared across three collection methods (dragging, sweeping, CO2 traps) and three tick check distances (5 m, 10 m, and 20 m) were compared for dragging and sweeping. Field collections were conducted from June through August 2019 in Westchester County, New York, and ticks were grouped by life stage to assess collection method efficiency. Results indicated that implementing shorter (5 m) tick check distance was ideal for adult and nymphal collections. The dragging method proved better than sweeping for adult collections; however, there was no significant difference between the methods for nymphal collections, at any tick check distance evaluated. CO2 traps attracted H. longicornis, but additional research is necessary to devise an effective tick retaining method before the traps can be implemented in the field. The results are presented to inform and support H. longicornis surveillance and control programs across the nation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicholas P Piedmonte
- New York State Department of Health, Louis Calder Center, Fordham University, Armonk, NY 10504, USA
| | - Kathryn Wunderlin
- New York State Department of Health, Louis Calder Center, Fordham University, Armonk, NY 10504, USA
| | - Richard C Falco
- New York State Department of Health, Louis Calder Center, Fordham University, Armonk, NY 10504, USA
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Tufts DM, Diuk-Wasser MA. First hemispheric report of invasive tick species Haemaphysalis punctata, first state report of Haemaphysalis longicornis, and range expansion of native tick species in Rhode Island, USA. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:394. [PMID: 34376221 PMCID: PMC8353422 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04887-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Invasive arthropod vectors and the range expansions of native vectors can lead to public and veterinary health concerns, as these vectors may introduce novel pathogens or spread endemic pathogens to new locations. Recent tick invasions and range expansion in the USA has been attributed to climate and land use change, an increase in global travel, and importations of exotic animals. Methods A 10-year surveillance study was conducted on Block Island, Rhode Island, from 2010 to 2020 including sampling ticks from small mammal and avian hosts. Results We report the discovery and establishment of the red sheep tick (Haemaphysalis punctata) for the first time in the western hemisphere and in the US. This invasive species was first collected in 2010 on Block Island, was collected continuously throughout the study, and was collected from an avian host. We document the first report of the invasive Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) in the state of Rhode Island, first observed at our sites in 2018. Finally, we present data on the range expansion and establishment of two native tick species, the lone star tick and the rabbit tick, on Block Island. Conclusion This study emphasized the importance of long-term surveillance to detect changes in tick host communities, including invasive and expanding native vectors of potential significance to humans and wildlife. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04887-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Tufts
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Department, University of Pittsburgh, 2119 Public Health, 130 De Soto St, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Department, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Maria A Diuk-Wasser
- Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Department, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY, USA
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13
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Vogt JT, Allen BD, Paulsen D, Trout Fryxell RT. A Unique Academic-Government Collaboration Yields First Report of Detailed Habitat Description for Haemaphysalis longicornis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in Madison County, KY. J Med Entomol 2021; 58:1970-1972. [PMID: 33837420 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, Asian longhorned tick, was collected in Madison County, Kentucky, United States as part of an ongoing collaborative-tick surveillance project. This is the first collection of this invasive tick that includes ancillary data on habitat and landscape features derived from the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis program.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Vogt
- USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 320 E. Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - B D Allen
- USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 4700 Old Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, USA
| | - D Paulsen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, 2505, 370 E J. Chapman Drive Plant Biotechnology Building, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - R T Trout Fryxell
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, 2505, 370 E J. Chapman Drive Plant Biotechnology Building, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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14
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Price KJ, Graham CB, Witmier BJ, Chapman HA, Coder BL, Boyer CN, Foster E, Maes SE, Bai Y, Eisen RJ, Kyle AD. Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Stricto DNA in Field-Collected Haemaphysalis longicornis Ticks, Pennsylvania, United States. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:608-611. [PMID: 33496234 PMCID: PMC7853548 DOI: 10.3201/eid2702.201552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We collected questing Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks from southeastern counties of Pennsylvania, USA. Of 263 ticks tested by PCR for pathogens, 1 adult female was positive for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, yielding a 0.4% infection rate. Continued monitoring of this invasive tick is essential to determine its public health role.
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15
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Price KJ, Witmier BJ, Eckert RA, Boyer CN, Helwig MW, Kyle AD. Distribution and Density of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) on Public Lands in Pennsylvania, United States. J Med Entomol 2021; 58:1433-1438. [PMID: 33367745 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Since the recent introduction of the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann) in the United States, quantitative surveillance information remains lacking, which hinders accurate estimates of population structure and entomological risk. We conducted statewide, active tick surveillance from May to August 2019 and report data on H. longicornis geographical distribution and population density in Pennsylvania. In total, 615 H. longicornis were collected from four counties. Across samples recovering H. longicornis, mean density of H. longicornis was 9.2/100 m2, comparably greater than Ixodes scapularis Say (8.5/100 m2). Density of H. longicornis was also significantly greater in August, largely driven by larvae, and greater in recreational habitat types (12.6/100 m2) and in Bucks County (11.7/100 m2), situated adjacent to the location of the first U.S. discovery of intense infestations. These data are among the first to document H. longicornis from statewide tick surveillance and provide initial measures of population density enabling more quantitative characterizations of distributional patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith J Price
- Division of Vector Management, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Harrisburg, PA
| | - Bryn J Witmier
- Division of Vector Management, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Harrisburg, PA
| | - Rebecca A Eckert
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Christian N Boyer
- Division of Vector Management, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Harrisburg, PA
| | - Matt W Helwig
- Division of Vector Management, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Harrisburg, PA
| | - Andrew D Kyle
- Division of Vector Management, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Harrisburg, PA
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16
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Levin ML, Stanley HM, Hartzer K, Snellgrove AN. Incompetence of the Asian Longhorned Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) in Transmitting the Agent of Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis in the United States. J Med Entomol 2021; 58:1419-1423. [PMID: 33590859 PMCID: PMC8383286 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae), was recently introduced into the United States and is now established in at least 15 states. Considering its ability for parthenogenetic propagation and propensity for creating high-density populations, there is concern that this tick may become involved in transmission cycles of endemic tick-borne human pathogens. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum is one of the more common tick-borne diseases in the United States, especially in the northeastern and midwestern states. There is considerable geographical overlap between HGA cases and the currently known distribution of H. longicornis, which creates a potential for this tick to encounter A. phagocytophilum while feeding on naturally infected vertebrate hosts. Therefore, we evaluated the ability of H. longicornis to acquire and transmit the agent of HGA under laboratory conditions and compared it to the vector competence of I. scapularis. Haemaphysalis longicornis nymphs acquired the pathogen with the bloodmeal while feeding on infected domestic goats, but transstadial transmission was inefficient and PCR-positive adult ticks were unable to transmit the pathogen to naïve goats. Results of this study indicate that the Asian longhorned tick is not likely to play a significant role in the epidemiology of HGA in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Levin
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
- Corresponding author,
| | - Hannah M. Stanley
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Georgia, College of Arts and Sciences, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Kris Hartzer
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Alyssa N. Snellgrove
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
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17
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Truong AT, Yun BR, Lim J, Min S, Yoo MS, Yoon SS, Yun YM, Kim JT, Cho YS. Real-time PCR biochip for on-site detection of Coxiella burnetii in ticks. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:239. [PMID: 33957987 PMCID: PMC8101159 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04744-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Q fever, a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii, has adverse effects on public health. Ticks are vectors of C. burnetii and they contribute to the transmission of the pathogen. A tool for rapid, sensitive, and accurate detection of C. burnetii from ticks is important for the prevention of Q fever. METHODS Ultra-rapid real-time PCR (UR-qPCR) as a chip-based real-time PCR system was developed for the detection of C. burnetii from ticks. The UR-qPCR system was established and evaluated for the rapidity, sensitivity, and specificity of C. burnetii detection. RESULTS C. burnetii was detected using UR-qPCR from 5644 larval, nymphal, and adult ticks from 408 pools collected from livestock and epidemiologically linked environments in two provinces, Gangwon and Jeju, in Korea. Ticks from three species were identified; Haemaphysalis longicornis accounted for the highest number, present in 333 of 408 pools (81.62%), followed by Haemaphysalis flava in 62 pools (15.19%) and Ixodes nipponensis in 13 pools (3.19%). The rapidity and sensitivity of PCR detection was demonstrated with the sufficient amplification and detection of approximately 56 copies of C. burnetii DNA with only 20 min of PCR amplification. The kappa value for the diagnostic agreement between UR-qPCR and stationary qPCR was in perfect agreement (κ = 1). PCR detection and sequencing indicated that C. burnetii was present in 5 of the 408 pools (1.23%), in which four pools contained H. longicornis and one pool contained H. flava. The infection rates of C. burnetii in the tick pools collected from Gangwon and Jeju Provinces were 1.70% and 0.58%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close relationship between the detected C. burnetii and those originating from goats, humans, and ticks in different countries, such as the USA, France, Germany, and Serbia. CONCLUSIONS The methods described in this study could be important for the prevention and control of Q fever in the two provinces. The UR-qPCR, with its features of mobility, sensitivity, and rapidity, is helpful for constructing early alert systems in the field for C. burnetii in ticks and could help alleviate the transmission of and economic damage due to Q fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Tai Truong
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea.,Faculty of Biotechnology, Thai Nguyen University of Sciences, Thai Nguyen, 250000, Vietnam
| | - Bo-Ram Yun
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Lim
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Subin Min
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Sun Yoo
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Seek Yoon
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Min Yun
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Taek Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Sang Cho
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, 39660, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Dinkel KD, Herndon DR, Noh SM, Lahmers KK, Todd SM, Ueti MW, Scoles GA, Mason KL, Fry LM. A U.S. isolate of Theileria orientalis, Ikeda genotype, is transmitted to cattle by the invasive Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:157. [PMID: 33726815 PMCID: PMC7962341 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04659-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Theileria orientalis is a tick-borne hemoparasite that causes anemia, ill thrift, and death in cattle globally. The Ikeda strain of T.orientalis is more virulent than other strains, leading to severe clinical signs and death of up to 5% of affected animals. Within the Asia–Pacific region, where it affects 25% of Australian cattle, T.orientalis Ikeda has a significant economic impact on the cattle industry. In 2017, T.orientalis Ikeda was detected in a cattle herd in Albermarle County, Virginia, United States. Months earlier, the U.S. was alerted to the invasion of the Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, throughout the eastern U.S. Abundant H.longicornis ticks were identified on cattle in the T.orientalis-affected herd in VA, and a subset of ticks from the environment were PCR-positive for T.orientalis Ikeda. A strain of T.orientalis from a previous U.S. outbreak was not transmissible by H.longicornis; however, H.longicornis is the primary tick vector of T.orientalis Ikeda in other regions of the world. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether invasive H.longicornis ticks in the U.S. are competent vectors of T.orientalis Ikeda. Methods Nymphal H.longicornis ticks were fed on a splenectomized calf infected with the VA-U.S.-T.orientalis Ikeda strain. After molting, a subset of adult ticks from this cohort were dissected, and salivary glands assayed for T.orientalis Ikeda via qPCR. The remaining adult ticks from the group were allowed to feed on three calves. Calves were subsequently monitored for T.orientalis Ikeda infection via blood smear cytology and PCR. Results After acquisition feeding on a VA-U.S.-T.orientalis Ikeda-infected calf as nymphs, a subset of molted adult tick salivary glands tested positive by qPCR for T.orientalis Ikeda. Adult ticks from the same cohort successfully transmitted T.orientalis Ikeda to 3/3 naïve calves, each of which developed parasitemia reaching 0.4–0.9%. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that U.S. H.longicornis ticks are competent vectors of the VA-U.S.-T.orientalis Ikeda strain. This data provides important information for the U.S. cattle industry regarding the potential spread of this parasite and the necessity of enhanced surveillance and control measures.![]() Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04659-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelcey D Dinkel
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - David R Herndon
- United States, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Susan M Noh
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.,United States, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Kevin K Lahmers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - S Michelle Todd
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Massaro W Ueti
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.,United States, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Glen A Scoles
- United States, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA.,United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Kathleen L Mason
- United States, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Lindsay M Fry
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA. .,United States, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA.
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19
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Piedmonte NP, Vinci VC, Daniels TJ, Backenson BP, Falco RC. Seasonal Activity of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) in Southern New York State. J Med Entomol 2021; 58:676-681. [PMID: 33051658 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, is a species native to eastern Asia that has recently been discovered in the United States. In its native range, H. longicornis transmits pathogens that cause disease in humans and livestock. It is currently unknown whether H. longicornis will act as a vector in the United States. Understanding its seasonal activity patterns will be important in identifying which times of the year represent greatest potential risk to humans and livestock should this species become a threat to animal or public health. A study site was established in Yonkers, NY near the residence associated with the first reported human bite from H. longicornis in the United States. Ticks were collected once each week from July 2018 to November 2019. Haemaphysalis longicornis larvae were most active from August to November, nymphs from April to July, and adult females from June to September. This pattern of activity suggests that H. longicornis is capable of completing a generation within a single year and matches the patterns observed in its other ranges in the northern hemisphere. The data presented here contribute to a growing database for H. longicornis phenology in the northeastern United States. Potential implications of the short life cycle for the tick's vectorial capacity are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanessa C Vinci
- New York State Department of Health, Louis Calder Center, Armonk, NY
| | | | - Bryon P Backenson
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY
| | - Richard C Falco
- New York State Department of Health, Louis Calder Center, Armonk, NY
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20
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Tufts DM, Goodman LB, Benedict MC, Davis AD, VanAcker MC, Diuk-Wasser M. Association of the invasive Haemaphysalis longicornis tick with vertebrate hosts, other native tick vectors, and tick-borne pathogens in New York City, USA. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:149-157. [PMID: 33130214 PMCID: PMC10029828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis, the Asian longhorned tick, is an invasive ixodid tick that has rapidly spread across the northeastern and southeastern regions of the United States since first reported in 2017. The emergence of H. longicornis presents a potential threat for livestock, wildlife, and human health as the host associations and vector potential of this invasive pest in the United States are poorly understood. Previous field data from the United States has shown that H. longicornis was not associated with natural populations of small mammals or birds, but they show a preference for medium sized mammals in laboratory experiments. Therefore, medium and large sized mammals were sampled on Staten Island, New York, United States, to determine H. longicornis host associations and vector potential for a range of human and veterinary pathogens. A total of 97 hosts were sampled and five species of tick (Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis, H. longicornis, Ixodes scapularis, Ixodes cookei) were found feeding concurrently on these hosts. Haemaphysalis longicornis was found in the highest proportions compared with other native tick species on raccoons (55.4%), Virginia opossums (28.9%), and white-tailed deer (11.5%). Tissue, blood, and engorged larvae were tested for 17 different pathogens using a nanoscale PCR platform. Infection with five pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., Mycoplasma haemocanis, and Bartonella spp.) was detected in host samples, but no pathogens were found in any larval samples. These results suggest that although large and medium sized mammals feed large numbers of H. longicornis ticks in the environment, there is presently a low potential for H. longicornis to acquire pathogens from these wildlife hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Tufts
- Columbia University, Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Department, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Laura B Goodman
- Cornell University, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Meghan C Benedict
- Cornell University, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - April D Davis
- Wadsworth Center, Griffin Laboratory, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY 12159, USA
| | - Meredith C VanAcker
- Columbia University, Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Department, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Maria Diuk-Wasser
- Columbia University, Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Department, New York, NY 10027, USA
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21
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Wormser GP, McKenna D, Piedmonte N, Vinci V, Egizi AM, Backenson B, Falco RC. First Recognized Human Bite in the United States by the Asian Longhorned Tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 70:314-316. [PMID: 31150055 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the case summary of the first human recognized to have been bitten by the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick in the United States, which occurred in New York State. Subsequent field studies confirmed that this tick was present in multiple geographic locations near the patient's residence, including on manicured lawns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary P Wormser
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York Medical College, Valhalla
| | - Donna McKenna
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York Medical College, Valhalla
| | - Nicholas Piedmonte
- Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany
| | - Vanessa Vinci
- Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany
| | - Andrea M Egizi
- Tick-borne Disease Laboratory, Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division.,Department of Entomology, Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Bryon Backenson
- Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany
| | - Richard C Falco
- Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany
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Namgyal J, Couloigner I, Lysyk TJ, Dergousoff SJ, Cork SC. Comparison of Habitat Suitability Models for Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann in North America to Determine Its Potential Geographic Range. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17218285. [PMID: 33182472 PMCID: PMC7665130 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, 1901 is a vector of many pathogens of public and veterinary health importance in its native range in East Asia and introduced range in Oceania. In North America, this tick was first detected in New Jersey in 2017. Currently, this tick has been reported from 15 states of the United States. In this study, we modeled the habitat suitability of H. longicornis using the MaxEnt modeling approach. We separated occurrence records from the published literature from four different geographical regions in the world and developed MaxEnt models using relevant environmental variables to describe the potential habitat suitability of this tick in North America. The predictive accuracy of the models was assessed using the U.S. county locations where this tick species has been reported. Our best model predicted that the most suitable North American areas for geographic expansion of H. longicornis are from Arkansas–South Carolina to the south of Quebec–Nova Scotia in the east, and from California to the coast of British Columbia in the west. Enhanced surveillance and further investigation are required to gain a better understanding of the role that this tick might play in the transmission of diseases to humans and animals in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamyang Namgyal
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (I.C.); (T.J.L.); (S.C.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Isabelle Couloigner
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (I.C.); (T.J.L.); (S.C.C.)
- Department of Geography, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Tim J. Lysyk
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (I.C.); (T.J.L.); (S.C.C.)
| | - Shaun J. Dergousoff
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Center, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada;
| | - Susan C. Cork
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (I.C.); (T.J.L.); (S.C.C.)
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23
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Bickerton M, McSorley K, Toledo A. A life stage-targeted acaricide application approach for the control of Haemaphysalis longicornis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101581. [PMID: 33075730 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann is an invasive tick species that has recently been detected in the eastern United States. We designed field studies to monitor the population dynamics of H. longicornis over a year (2019) in New Jersey, and to assess the efficacy of a pyrethroid acaricide (lambda-cyhalothrin) in controlling this tick using a stage-treatment approach. Nymphs were the most abundant life stage found host-seeking from May through early July, followed by a brief period of high adult activity in mid-July, and a very high larval peak extending from late July through October. Overall, 542 adults, 1910 nymphs, and 69,238 larvae were recorded during the sampling. In the present study, the efficacy of acaricide treatments to suppress host-seeking ticks was assessed by applying lambda-cyhalothrin once during each of the three periods of activity for nymphs (June), adults (July), and larvae (August), or sequentially during all three months. Control plots were left untreated and used for phenology studies. Applications in June and July provided 100 % control of all life stages, including the dominant nymphal and adult stages for 42 and 35 d, respectively. Ticks re-established at normal or reduced levels following applications in June or July, respectively, compared to untreated controls. The application in August provided 100 % control for 49 d, and a high level of suppression (>99 % control) remained through the end of the tick season in October. This study therefore supports that single pyrethroid applications can provide 100 % control of H. longicornis for up to 7 wk, and a single late-summer application towards the end of host-seeking adult activity can provide near complete control of the larval population. An evaluation of single applications over the course of the season revealed that treatments in July or August did not lead to significant reductions in the nymphal population. However, multiple sequential treatments targeting all life stages provided 66 %, 97 %, and >99 % control of adults, nymphs, and larvae, respectively through the season of H. longicornis activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Bickerton
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, United States; Bergen County Department of Health Services, United States; Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, United States
| | | | - Alvaro Toledo
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, United States; Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, United States.
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Stanley HM, Ford SL, Snellgrove AN, Hartzer K, Smith EB, Krapiunaya I, Levin ML. The Ability of the Invasive Asian Longhorned Tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) to Acquire and Transmit Rickettsia rickettsii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), the Agent of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Under Laboratory Conditions. J Med Entomol 2020; 57:1635-1639. [PMID: 32338290 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The invasive Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, was first detected in the United States in 2017. It has since been found in 12 states, and there is concern that the tick's parthenogenetic ability and wide variety of host species may allow for broader dissemination. Of the tick-borne diseases endemic to the United States, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a rapidly progressive and potentially fatal disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, is the most severe. There is considerable geographical overlap between spotted fever rickettsioses cases, which include RMSF, and the currently known distribution of H. longicornis, providing the potential for this tick to encounter this pathogen. We have evaluated the ability of H. longicornis to acquire and transmit R. rickettsii under laboratory conditions. Haemaphysalis longicornis as larvae and nymphs acquired the pathogen while feeding on infected guinea pigs. The infection persisted through every life stage, all of which were able to transmit R. rickettsii to naïve hosts. The pathogen was also transmitted at a low frequency between generations of H. longicornis through the ova. While H. longicornis was demonstrated to be a competent vector for R. rickettsii under laboratory conditions, the probability of its involvement in the maintenance and transmission of this pathogen in nature, as well as its potential impact on human health, requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Stanley
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Shelby L Ford
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Alyssa N Snellgrove
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kris Hartzer
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Inna Krapiunaya
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Michael L Levin
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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25
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Tufts DM, Sameroff S, Tagliafierro T, Jain K, Oleynik A, VanAcker MC, Diuk-Wasser MA, Lipkin WI, Tokarz R. A metagenomic examination of the pathobiome of the invasive tick species, Haemaphysalis longicornis, collected from a New York City borough, USA. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101516. [PMID: 32993936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis, the Asian longhorned tick, is an invasive tick species that has spread rapidly across the northeastern and southeastern regions of the United States in recent years. This invasive pest species, known to transmit several tick-borne pathogens in its native range, is a potential threat to wildlife, livestock, domestic animals, and humans. Questing larval (n = 25), nymph (n = 10), and adult (n = 123), along with host-derived adult (n = 25) H. longicornis ticks were collected from various locations on Staten Island, NY. The pathobiome of each specimen was examined using two different high throughput sequencing approaches, virus enrichment and shotgun metagenomics. An average of 45,828,061 total reads per sample were recovered from the virus enriched samples and an average of 11,381,144 total reads per sample were obtained using shotgun metagenomics. Aside from endogenous viral sequences, no viruses were identified through either approach. Through shotgun metagenomics, Coxiella-like bacteria, Legionella, Sphingomonas, and other bacterial species were recovered. The Coxiella-like agent was ubiquitous and present at high abundances in all samples, suggesting it may be an endosymbiont. The other bacterial agents are not known to be transmitted by ticks. From these analyses, H. longicornis do not appear to host any endemic human tick-borne pathogens in the New York City region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Tufts
- Columbia University, Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Department, 1200 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, United States.
| | - Stephen Sameroff
- Columbia University, Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Teresa Tagliafierro
- Columbia University, Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Komal Jain
- Columbia University, Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Alexandra Oleynik
- Columbia University, Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Meredith C VanAcker
- Columbia University, Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Department, 1200 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, United States
| | - Maria A Diuk-Wasser
- Columbia University, Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Department, 1200 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, United States
| | - W Ian Lipkin
- Columbia University, Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States; Columbia University, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Rafal Tokarz
- Columbia University, Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States; Columbia University, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States
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26
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Yuan Q, Llanos-Soto SG, Gangloff-Kaufmann JL, Lampman JM, Frye MJ, Benedict MC, Tallmadge RL, Mitchell PK, Anderson RR, Cronk BD, Stanhope BJ, Jarvis AR, Lejeune M, Renshaw RW, Laverack M, Lamb EM, Goodman LB. Active surveillance of pathogens from ticks collected in New York State suburban parks and schoolyards. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:684-696. [PMID: 32697888 PMCID: PMC7496946 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Schoolyards and suburban parks are two environments where active tick surveillance may inform local management approaches. Even in a state such as New York with a robust active tick surveillance programme operated by the state Department of Health, these settings are not routinely covered. The goal of this study was to highlight the importance of active surveillance for tick‐borne pathogens by describing their prevalence in ticks collected from schoolyards and suburban parks and to guide the use of integrated pest management in these settings. Tick dragging was performed in three regions of New York State: Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley and the Capital Region. A total of 19 schoolyards and 32 parks were sampled. The location, habitat and weather at the time of tick collection were recorded. Ticks were speciated and tested for the presence of 17 pathogens with a novel application of nanoscale real‐time PCR. The causative agents of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan virus disease were all detected from Ixodes scapularis in various sites throughout the capital region and south‐eastern counties of New York state. The most common agent detected was Borrelia burgdorferi, and coinfection rates were as high as 36%. This surveillance study also captured the first of the invasive Asian longhorned tick species, Haemaphysalis longicornis, in New York state (collected 2 June 2017). Results from this study highlight the importance of collaborative efforts and data sharing for improvement of surveillance for tick‐borne disease agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yuan
- Master of Public Health Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Sebastian G Llanos-Soto
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jody L Gangloff-Kaufmann
- New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Geneva, NY, USA
| | - Joellen M Lampman
- New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Geneva, NY, USA
| | - Matthew J Frye
- New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Geneva, NY, USA
| | - Meghan C Benedict
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca L Tallmadge
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Patrick K Mitchell
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Renee R Anderson
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Brittany D Cronk
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Bryce J Stanhope
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ava R Jarvis
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Manigandan Lejeune
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Randall W Renshaw
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Melissa Laverack
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Lamb
- New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Geneva, NY, USA
| | - Laura B Goodman
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
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27
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Thompson AT, Dominguez K, Cleveland CA, Dergousoff SJ, Doi K, Falco RC, Greay T, Irwin P, Lindsay LR, Liu J, Mather TN, Oskam CL, Rodriguez-Vivas RI, Ruder MG, Shaw D, Vigil SL, White S, Yabsley MJ. Molecular Characterization of Haemaphysalis Species and a Molecular Genetic Key for the Identification of Haemaphysalis of North America. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:141. [PMID: 32232062 PMCID: PMC7082797 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae), the Asian longhorned tick, is native to East Asia, but has become established in Australia and New Zealand, and more recently in the United States. In North America, there are other native Haemaphysalis species that share similar morphological characteristics and can be difficult to identify if the specimen is damaged. The goal of this study was to develop a cost-effective and rapid molecular diagnostic assay to differentiate between exotic and native Haemaphysalis species to aid in ongoing surveillance of H. longicornis within the United States and help prevent misidentification. We demonstrated that restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) can be used to differentiate H. longicornis from the other Haemaphysalis species found in North America. Furthermore, we show that this RFLP assay can be applied to Haemaphysalis species endemic to other regions of the world for the rapid identification of damaged specimens. The work presented in this study can serve as the foundation for region specific PCR-RFLP keys for Haemaphysalis and other tick species and can be further applied to other morphometrically challenging taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec T. Thompson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Kristen Dominguez
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Christopher A. Cleveland
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Shaun J. Dergousoff
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Kandai Doi
- Laboratory of Wildlife Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Japan
| | - Richard C. Falco
- New York State Department of Health, Louis Calder Center, Fordham University, Armonk, NY, United States
| | - Telleasha Greay
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Peter Irwin
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - L. Robbin Lindsay
- Public Health Agency of Canada, National Microbiology Laboratory, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jingze Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Thomas N. Mather
- Center for Vector-Borne Diseases, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Roger I. Rodriguez-Vivas
- Campus of Biology and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, National Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Mark G. Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - David Shaw
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Stacey L. Vigil
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Seth White
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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28
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Duncan KT, Sundstrom KD, Saleh MN, Little SE. Haemaphysalis longicornis, the Asian longhorned tick, from a dog in Virginia, USA. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2020; 20:100395. [PMID: 32448533 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, was only recently recognized in North America and has since been identified on a wide range of domestic and wild animal hosts in multiple states throughout the eastern United States. An H. longicornis nymph was submitted for identification from a dog in central Virginia, USA. Identification was made using standard keys and confirmed molecularly. No products are currently FDA label-approved as effective for H. longicornis in the USA; however, many acaricides commercially available in the United States are known to be effective against H. longicornis in other areas of the world where this tick is endemic. Veterinarians should be aware H. longicornis can commonly be found infesting dogs, cats, livestock, and wildlife, and should continue recommending year-round tick prevention for all pets and routine monitoring for tick-borne infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn T Duncan
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
| | - Kellee D Sundstrom
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Meriam N Saleh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Susan E Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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29
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Tufts DM, VanAcker MC, Fernandez MP, DeNicola A, Egizi A, Diuk-Wasser MA. Distribution, Host-Seeking Phenology, and Host and Habitat Associations of Haemaphysalis longicornis Ticks, Staten Island, New York, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:792-796. [PMID: 30681071 PMCID: PMC6433004 DOI: 10.3201/eid2504.181541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis, an invasive Ixodid tick, was recently reported in the eastern United States. The emergence of these ticks represents a potential threat for livestock, wildlife, and human health. We describe the distribution, host-seeking phenology, and host and habitat associations of these ticks on Staten Island, New York, a borough of New York City.
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30
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Abstract
Asian longhorned or bush tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann) is a vector species of considerable medical and veterinary importance within its native range in East Asia, and in introduced areas of Australia and Oceania. Recently, this tick species was detected in several regions of the United States. This study aimed at modeling areas suitable for H. longicornis in North America using maximum entropy distribution modeling or Maxent. Occurrence records of H. longicornis within its present range were obtained from published literature. The Maxent model contained a small number of a priori climatic and ecological variables. Annual temperature, precipitation, and ecological zones were found the most important in creating sensitive and specific model (success rate = 91.8%) that had a good fit to the existing data. The model predicted suitable H. longicornis habitat in most of eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast, and in a small temperate area on the West Coast. Coastal areas were among the highest ranked suitable habitat. Another highly suitable region was identified in mid-western and southern United States where Heartland virus transmission takes place. This finding is of concern, since H. longicornis ticks vector a closely related virus in East Asia. Delineation of areas suitable for H. longicornis can facilitate detection, prepare public health authorities, and inform the general public about this potentially pestiferous and medically important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Rochlin
- Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
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31
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Egizi AM, Robbins RG, Beati L, Nava S, Vans CR, Occi JL, Fonseca DM. A pictorial key to differentiate the recently detected exotic Haemaphysalislongicornis Neumann, 1901 (Acari, Ixodidae) from native congeners in North America. Zookeys 2019:117-128. [PMID: 30766418 PMCID: PMC6353864 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.818.30448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Until recently, only two haemaphysaline species, Haemaphysalischordeilis (Packard, 1869) and Haemaphysalisleporispalustris (Packard, 1869), were known to occur in the United States, and neither was considered to be of significant medical or veterinary importance. In 2017–2018 established populations of the Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalislongicornis Neumann, 1901, were detected in the eastern US for the first time. Haemaphysalislongicornis has the potential to be a significant threat to human and animal health, and the urgent need to determine the full extent of its distribution and host range requires availability of a straightforward and practical guide to differentiate it from native species. We created a pictorial dichotomous key to all stages of Haemaphysalis spp. known to occur in North America with scanning electron photomicrographs of all H.longicornis life stages, including rarely seen males, to aid researchers in differentiating these species. The largely Neotropical species Haemaphysalisjuxtakochi Cooley, 1946, with established populations in Mexico and sporadic detections in the US on migrating birds is also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Egizi
- Tick-borne Diseases Laboratory, Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division, 1901 Wayside Road, Tinton Falls, NJ, 07724-4451, USA.,Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901-8536, USA
| | - Richard G Robbins
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit, Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, MSC, MRC 534, 4210 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD, 20746-2863, USA
| | - Lorenza Beati
- US National Tick Collection, Institute for Coastal Plain Science, Georgia Southern University, 202 Georgia Avenue, Statesboro, GA, 30460, USA
| | - Santiago Nava
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CC 22, CP 2300 Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Colleen R Vans
- US National Tick Collection, Institute for Coastal Plain Science, Georgia Southern University, 202 Georgia Avenue, Statesboro, GA, 30460, USA
| | - James L Occi
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901-8536, USA
| | - Dina M Fonseca
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901-8536, USA
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