Tick Surveillance Practices in the Northeast

Abstract

A review of tick surveillance guidance and best practices tailored for the Northeast USA. Speakers include experts from the New York State Department of Health, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, and Columbia University. Topics to be covered include: Considerations for starting a surveillance program; Field methods for medically important species; Pathogen testing; Data analysis and communication considerations; and Lessons learned from regional programs. Supplementary materials included: example personnel training manuals, tick field collection protocols and forms, estimated program start-up and operational costs.