recent expansion of black-legged ticks, ixodes scapularis, into the thunder bay region: implications and putative role of climate change
abstract
the distribution of ixodes scapularis is increasing in ontario, thereby
increasing the risk of contracting lyme disease. climate change is a likely factor
in the northward expansion of i. scapularis populations. here, i explored
published studies, interviewed professionals, and performed literature reviews to
answer whether climate change is the primary cause of the expansion of i.
scapularis populations in ontario, and why they are now more frequently seen in
northwestern ontario. climate change was determined to be a cofactor in the
expansion of i. scapularis range; mobile host species are increasing the rate at
which black-legged ticks are expanding. i. scapularis is capable of surviving in
new locations, provided there is suitable habitat and a sufficient number of
hosts. it is predicted that i. scapularis will increase its range in ontario by 46
km/year over the next decade. increasing i. scapularis populations across
canada increases the percentage of black-legged ticks carrying the bacterium
borrelia burgdorferi, that causes lyme disease. this will ultimately increase the
risk of lyme disease to all.
collections
- undergraduate theses [325]