Density and spatial distribution of Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae) in two recreational areas in north coastal California.
The density and distribution of Ixodes pacificus was assessed at 2 parks in north coastal California. The density of I. pacificus adults and nymphs varied significantly between years, trails, and sides of trails. Adult ticks occurred on vegetation along sun-exposed trails in January through March, their density (0-1.93 per 20 m) correlated with brush density, trail width, and presence of an uphill slope. Nymphs (0.06-5.10 per 20 m) occurred in leaf litter along shaded trails in May-July. Adult I. pacificus were rare at picnic sites (0.00-0.24 per 20 m), but nymphal densities (0.93-2.37 per 20 m) were comparable with those along some shaded trails. The prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in ticks (2.8% overall) did not differ significantly between locations, years, or stages. We conclude that the risk of acquiring Lyme disease in these sites is low, but varies among trails, seasons, and years.
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Department of Environmental Science Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley 94720-3112, USA.
Peavey
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CA
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D000818:Animals; D015748:Borrelia burgdorferi Group / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002140:California; D018884:Ixodes; D008193:Lyme Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D009758:Nymph / Q000382:microbiology; D011156:Population Density; D015995:Prevalence; D051381:Rats; D011998:Recreation