Tick exposure and how rural residents manage ticks in Maine
Official title: Blacklegged tick exposure and management among understudied rural human populations
Funded at University of Maine Orono · NIH-11443419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research effort in rural Maine will look at environmental and social factors that influence how often people are exposed to ticks and whether they would consider tick-prevention practices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maine Orono NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orono, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $534,662 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI203448-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11443419 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21+ living in rural areas of Maine who may be exposed to ticks.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals in non-rural settings or who are not at risk for tick exposure may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on rural communities in Maine to understand why people there encounter more ticks and what might make them more willing to use tick-prevention strategies. Researchers will combine environmental data, community insights, and prior study results to identify patterns of exposure and adoption of management practices. The study aims to inform targeted, real-world approaches to reduce tick bites and Lyme disease risk in rural areas. Participants, communities, and local stakeholders may be involved to share experiences and preferences that shape prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more effective, locally accepted ways to prevent tick bites and Lyme disease for rural residents.
How similar studies have gone: Prior large studies show rural exposure risk is a key factor, but rural-specific prevention approaches are still being developed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maine Orono
Orono, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gardner, Allison — University of Maine Orono
- Study coordinator: Gardner, Allison
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.