American dog tick (Acari: Ixodidae), summer activity on equine premises enzootic for Potomac horse fever in south-central Maryland.

The research article explains a study on the activity of the American Dog Tick, a common parasite found feeding on horses in south-central Maryland, making note of its summer activity patterns in areas endemic for Potomac Horse Fever.

Objectives of the Study:

• The research mainly aims at studying the interaction and infestation patterns of the American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) on horses in Montgomery County, Maryland from May to August.
• The researchers also aim to understand where the ticks attach to the horse’s body and determine their activity in different areas where horses are present.

Findings of the Study:

• The study affirms Dermacentor variabilis as the only ixodid (hard tick) type found feeding on horses during the summer.
• The study found that the average number of ticks on each horse was low, less than one per week. However, more than 80% of the 33 horses examined on a weekly basis were exposed to tick feeding during the summer.
• 78% of the ticks collected were found to be attached to the tail segment and 12% were found in the horse’s mane.
• The adult ticks were found to be active on vegetation in pastures from May to early August, with the majority found along hedgerows, wood margins, and horse pathways.

Implications of the Study:

• The findings help in understanding the behavior of the American dog tick during summer months in areas where Potomac Horse Fever is endemic.
• The identification of tick feeding on horses despite the low burden suggests possible tick control measures should focus on the hotspot areas where ticks are found to be most active.
• The detection of ticks mainly along the tail and mane of the horses may guide veterinarians and horse owners in effectively checking and managing ticks in these areas.