Predicting the speed of tick invasion: an empirical model of range expansion for Lyme disease vector Ixodes scapularis in Canada.

Author:

Leighton, PA, Koffi, JK, Pelcat, Y, Lindsay, LR, and Ogden, NH

Publication type:

Journal Article

Publication date:

2012-03

Journal/Series title:

Journal of Applied Ecology

Volume:

URL:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2664.2012.02112.x/abstract

Abstract:

By tracking I. scapularis invasion in Canada over the past two decades, we show that I. scapularis is rapidly expanding its range and is likely to colonize the most densely populated areas of southern Canada in the coming decade. These projections suggest that prompt action is necessary to prepare the Canadian public for a likely epidemic of Lyme disease, with emphasis on focusing surveillance activities to confirm the locations of emerging Lyme disease risk.