The bacterium can be transmitted from infected white-tailed deer to humans and dogs through tick bites. Human ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacterium Erlichia chaffiensis. Let your physician/health care provider know if you are exposed to ticks through work or other outdoor activities and discuss a plan of action. Early detection and prompt removal are important actions that you can take to reduce irritation from tick bites and the potential for acquitting a tick-borne disease. In addition, infected ticks must feed for several hours before transferring a pathogen.

Fortunately, the percentage of infected ticks in Kentucky is very low. Lone star ticks can pick up and transmit several diseases from infected animals. Red spots on the ankle are reactions to tick saliva injected during feeding. 3 Partially engorged six-legged lone star tick larva, also called “seed ticks” and “turkey mites” on head of a pin. While bites are irritating, the more serious threat is the transfer certain microorganisms from infected animals to humans as the ticks feed.įig. Reactions to substances in the saliva of lone star ticks can cause itching and redness around the bite that may last two weeks or longer (Fig 3.). 2 Lone star nymphs and adults are active in the spring larvae or seed ticks are abundant in August and September. Each of its three active stages (larva, nymph, and adult) requires a blood meal.įig. Lone star ticks are active from March through September (Fig 2). 1 The female lone star tick has a distinct white spot on its back. Its most common hosts are wild mammals and ground-nesting birds but these aggressive ticks readily feed on humans and companion animals.įig. 1) is an important nuisance pest across Kentucky and can be a vector of some diseases.