Ticks

More than 2,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported each year in Connecticut. Tick-borne diseases have become more prevalent in recent years because the bugs prefer warmer weather, and temperatures are rising.

Dr. Megan Linske, a vector ecologist with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, said she's seen changes in new tick species since the study program began five years ago.

The Town of North Hempstead has a unique way of controlling its tick population. WSHU’s Sabrina Garone spoke with Eric Powers of the Center for Environmental Education and Discovery in Brookhaven. He said ticks are a favorite snack of the bobwhite quail!

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) wants to increase federal funding to research Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

It’s spring — and warmer weather brings ticks. Tick-borne illnesses in Connecticut have been on the rise in recent years, according to scientists at the state’s Agricultural Experiment Station.

The virus is transmitted to humans from infected deer ticks. Symptoms are usually flu-like, but can be severe.

The Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Regional Tick-Borne Disease Center, the first and only of its kind on Long Island, will treat children and adults for tick bites and diagnose tick-borne diseases.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is concerned about new species of ticks that were found hitching a ride on residents returning from international travel.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) visited Long Island, announcing $160 million in federal funding to support tick research, surveillance and education in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

After a mild winter in the U.S., scientists are watching to see if there will be an uptick in ticks this year. More ticks this spring could mean a wider spread of Lyme disease and other infections.