Truncated seasonal activity patterns of the western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) in central and southern California.

摘要: Patterns of seasonal activity and density host-seeking western blacklegged ticks, Ixodes pacificus, were investigated in central southern California. Weekly to monthly drag sampling was undertaken at two sites Santa Barbara County one site Los Angeles over multiple years. Adult I. pacificus became active the winter (late November) rare or absent by late April early May. Nymphal ticks February, May June, rarely encountered using method throughout their period peak activity. Larval earlier season, same time as nymphs (early February) These results suggest a highly truncated questing activity, particularly apparent juvenile tick stages, California relative observed patterns Lyme-endemic northwestern Notably, stages has important implications for pathogen transmission dynamics that there exists only brief window horizontally transmitted pathogens be acquired cohort subsequently transmitted, through hosts, next this system. The broader also low human risk tick-borne disease California, have reduced US more generally under projected climate change.