Increase in abundance of immature Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) in an emergent Lyme disease endemic area

J Med Entomol. 1995 Jul;32(4):522-6. doi: 10.1093/jmedent/32.4.522.

Abstract

Changes in the abundance of immature Ixodes scapularis Say, the primary vector of Lyme disease, were assessed over a 7-yr period in Westchester County, New York, where the disease is endemic. In total, 4,000 m2 were drag sampled at each of 6 study sites in June and July of 1984 and 1991. The abundance of nymphs collected from all sites was 2.6-fold greater in 1991 than in 1984. Four of the 6 sites had significantly more nymphs in 1991, with increases ranging from 1.1- to 46.5-fold. The abundance of larvae collected from all sites was 34.2-fold higher in 1991 than in 1984. Five of the sites sampled had significantly more larvae in 1991, with increases ranging from 2.7- to 681-fold. These data demonstrate that populations of immature I. scapularis in Westchester County have, overall, increased during the 7-yr period from 1984 to 1991. However, the magnitude of increase is not uniform from site to site.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Larva
  • Lyme Disease / epidemiology
  • Lyme Disease / parasitology*
  • New York / epidemiology
  • Nymph
  • Population Density
  • Ticks*