This was posted on Ohio Lyme disease link on Facebook by Kristina Tartara. Here are her comments:
Two new tick species in Ohio - gulf coast tick and Asian longhorn. I read elsewhere that the Asian Longhorn were positive for the causative agent of Lyme disease. "
Buckeye tick program allows you to submit any ticks for testing. It’s identified, photographed, and tested for a panel of pathogens or germs that could transmit disease,” Pesapane said."
[Dr Risa Pesapane, associate professor in ecosystem and wildlife health, and Timothy McDermott, DVM, assistant professor and extension educator from The Ohio State University, were consulted for this article.]
“Results are usually returned within three business days. Each test is species-specific, meaning the lab only checks for diseases the submitted tick can transmit.
" While there is a flat fee for the service, the information is used for both personal health and statewide surveillance efforts.
Even if someone doesn’t need their tick tested for medical reasons, they can still submit it to support ongoing public health research.
Tick submissions without further testing are free to send.”
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
Thanks, Ann.
Do you have to live in Ohio to make use of this service?
Posted by Bartenderbonnie (Member # 49177) on :
Great find Ann.
Million dollar question. . .Why doesn’t the CDC offer this????? Look at all the pathogens they test for!
Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto*)
*Several organisms within the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex may be detected in blacklegged ticks, but most do not cause disease. We only test for the organism that is associated with the majority of Lyme Disease cases in the U.S.”