Capture-Mark-Recapture of Ticks in Southeastern Virginia
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
In southeastern Virginia, the rise of tick-borne pathogens threatens human and animal health. Surveillance methods are necessary to better understand tick abundance and phenology. Past ecological studies have utilized a capture-mark-recapture (CMR) technique. The goal of our study was to use CMR to estimate tick population size and longevity at two field sites in Portsmouth, Virginia. Ticks were collected using flagging techniques. Captured ticks were marked with finger nail polish prior to release. Marks were distinct colors during each capture event to track individuals over the study period. Organized by species and life stage, recapture rate calculations include newly marked ticks and ticks recaptured one or more times. Population size estimates were calculated using Lincoln-Peterson calculations. The longevity calculations provide information about the maximum period a tick is questing.
Presentation Type
Event
Location
Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Northwest Atrium
Start Date
2-18-2017 8:00 AM
End Date
2-18-2017 12:30 PM
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Capture-Mark-Recapture of Ticks in Southeastern Virginia
Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Northwest Atrium
In southeastern Virginia, the rise of tick-borne pathogens threatens human and animal health. Surveillance methods are necessary to better understand tick abundance and phenology. Past ecological studies have utilized a capture-mark-recapture (CMR) technique. The goal of our study was to use CMR to estimate tick population size and longevity at two field sites in Portsmouth, Virginia. Ticks were collected using flagging techniques. Captured ticks were marked with finger nail polish prior to release. Marks were distinct colors during each capture event to track individuals over the study period. Organized by species and life stage, recapture rate calculations include newly marked ticks and ticks recaptured one or more times. Population size estimates were calculated using Lincoln-Peterson calculations. The longevity calculations provide information about the maximum period a tick is questing.
Comments
Mentor: Dr. Holly Gaff