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Control of Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum Through use of the ‘4-poster’ Treatment Device on Deer in Maryland

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Abstract

Deer self-treatment devices (‘4-posters’) were evaluated for their efficacy in reducing populations of blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, and lone star ticks, Amblyomma americanum. At each of three locations in Maryland, 25 ‘4-posters’ were operated in study areas of approximately 5.18 km2. Populations of host-seeking ticks were monitored by flagging of treated areas and similar untreated control areas without ‘4-posters.’ From 1998 to 2002 the percent mortalities achieved were 69, 75.8 and 80 at the three study sites infested with I. scapularis nymphs, and 99.5 and 95.3 for A. americanum nymphs at the two sites where this species occurred.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Parasite Biology, Epidemiology and Systematics Laboratory, ARS, USDA, BARC-East, Building 1040, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA

    John F. Carroll, Patricia C. Allen & Dolores E. Hill

  2. Knipling-Bushland US Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, ARS, USDA, Kerrville, TX, USA

    J. Mathews Pound, J. Allen Miller & John E. George

Authors
  1. John F. Carroll
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  2. Patricia C. Allen
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  3. Dolores E. Hill
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  4. J. Mathews Pound
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  5. J. Allen Miller
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  6. John E. George
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Carroll, J.F., Allen, P.C., Hill, D.E. et al. Control of Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum Through use of the ‘4-poster’ Treatment Device on Deer in Maryland. Exp Appl Acarol 28, 289–296 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025383408163

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