Reducing tick populations and disease transmission through treatment of deer and small rodents.
Suppression of Host-Seeking Ixodes scapularis Abundances and Interruption of Pathogen Transmission Through Orally Delivered Systemic Acaricide Treatment of White-tailed Deer and Peromyscus spp.
This study is looking at a way to help lower the number of ticks that spread Lyme disease by giving safe treatments to animals like deer and small rodents, so we can find out how well this works and share tips for keeping our communities safe from tick bites.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Sta NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10846548 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a method to reduce the populations of Ixodes scapularis ticks, which are known carriers of Lyme disease, by administering acaricides to their primary hosts, white-tailed deer and small rodents like Peromyscus spp. The acaricides will be delivered orally, using commercially available products that are safe for human consumption. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment in various environments and develop guidelines for homeowners and pest control professionals to implement these strategies in communities at risk for tick-borne diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals living in areas with high tick populations and a history of Lyme disease.
Not a fit: Patients who do not live in tick-endemic areas or who are not at risk for tick-borne diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the incidence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in affected communities.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using systemic acaricides is innovative, similar strategies targeting wildlife hosts have shown promise in reducing tick populations in other studies.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Sta — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Scott C. — Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Sta
- Study coordinator: Williams, Scott C.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.