Waheed Bajwa : “Importance of Long-Term Monitoring”

By | May 22, 2024

1. Long-term monitoring importance
2. Significance of prolonged observation.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : The recent discovery of an invasive tick species in the United States, originally from Asia, has raised concerns about the rapid proliferation of these pests. According to a report published by Entomology Today, scientists have observed a substantial increase in the population of the Asian longhorned tick within just a few years.

The first sighting of the Asian longhorned tick, scientifically known as Haemaphysalis longicornis, in the U.S. was reported in New Jersey in 2017. However, it was not the initial encounter with this species on American soil. The first longhorned tick was actually identified in West Virginia back in 2010, followed by another discovery in New Jersey in 2013. It was only after the 2018 reports that these ticks were officially recognized as the invasive longhorned species.

The rise in invasive tick species in the U.S. can be attributed to the transportation of arthropods through international trade and the expansion of their habitat due to increasing temperatures. To address this issue, a collaborative effort between the New York City Department of Health, Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, the Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division in New Jersey, and Rutgers University produced a comprehensive report on the Asian longhorned tick, which was published in the Journal of Medical Entomology.

Following the 2018 report, further investigations in Staten Island, NY, revealed a significant surge in the population of the longhorned tick since its first appearance in 2014. Subsequent studies conducted in Staten Island state park showed an estimated presence of 2,000 longhorned ticks annually between 2017 and 2019, with fluctuations in numbers in the following years.

Invasive ticks are a cause for concern due to their potential to carry and transmit diseases to humans. The Asian longhorned tick is known to be a carrier of diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Heartland virus, and Powassan virus. Although there have been no reports of these ticks biting humans, they pose a threat to livestock and can potentially transmit pathogens to other tick species that do bite humans.

Efforts to control the spread of invasive ticks involve the use of targeted pesticides and the management of areas where they are found to prevent further migration. Dr. Waheed Bajwa, the executive director of vector surveillance and control for the New York City Department of Health, emphasized the importance of long-term monitoring to understand the population dynamics of these ticks.

Preventive measures such as applying insect repellents, treating clothing with permethrin, and conducting thorough checks after outdoor activities in grassy or wooded areas can help reduce the risk of tick bites. By staying vigilant and implementing proactive strategies, individuals can contribute to the prevention of tick-borne diseases.

In conclusion, the proliferation of invasive ticks highlights the need for continuous monitoring and proactive measures to mitigate their impact on public health and the environment. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to safeguard yourself and your surroundings from the threats posed by these invasive pests..

– long-tailed phrases
– significance of long-term monitoring.

   

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