Amblyomma maculatum Tick Hunt 2016, Seeking the Mother Ship

Studies of Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast tick) have shown its importance as a vector for Rickettsia parkeri, which causes Tidewater Spotted Fever in humans. Establish populations of this tick species have recently been found in the mid-Atlantic region. This field survey was conducted to find the source of A. maculatum. Ticks were collected by flagging from multiple sites on the barrier islands of Virginia and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. All collected A. maculatum ticks were tested for Rickettsia rickettsii. The results indicate that this tick species has established populations on every sampled barrier island with an average prevalence of 58% positive for Rickettsia sp