D3171: Tick species distribution and seasonality in the Northern Kentucky region

Ticks are the main vectors of diseases that can infect humans in the United States. This study aims to examine the distribution and seasonality of tick species in the Northern Kentucky region. Starting in June 2022, ticks were regularly collected at five forested parks. A drag cloth was dragged over each 500-meter transect and was checked every 10 meters for ticks weekly. One hundred forty-one American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis), 127 black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), and 2 Lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum), have been collected for a total of 271 ticks. The majority of American dog ticks were collected April through August, the black-legged ticks were collected October through June, and the Lone star ticks were collected February through July. Sampling is ongoing and will continue through December 2025. Understanding tick species distribution and seasonality in the Northern Kentucky region will allow effective control strategies and an understanding of the movement of tick species in the region to reduce and prevent further spread of ticks and tick-borne diseases.