Detection of Lyme disease and anaplasmosis pathogens via PCR in Pennsylvania deer ked

This study confirms the presence of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum in deer keds (Lipoptena cervi) removed from white‐tailed deer using PCR. Detection of these pathogens in deer ked represents a potential novel susceptibility of wildlife and also suggests the risk of transmission of these pathogens to humans and animals alike through the bite of an infected ectoparasite. This study represents the first instance in the U.S. of detection of tick‐borne pathogens in a member of the Hippoboscid family.
Source: Journal of Vector Ecology - Category: Biology Authors: Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research