U.S. National Tick Collection

Ixodes hexagonus (aka)

U.S. National Tick Collection is one of the largest and most significant collections of ticks in the world. Located within the James H. Oliver, Jr. Institute for Coastal Plain Science at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia, the collection plays a crucial role in the study and understanding of tick-borne diseases, taxonomy, and biodiversity. It contains over one million specimens, representing most of the world's known tick species.

History

The U.S. National Tick Collection has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Initially, the collection was part of the Rockefeller Foundation's efforts to study and control Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Over the years, it has grown through acquisitions and donations, including significant contributions from renowned acarologists. In the 1980s, the collection was transferred to Georgia Southern University, where it has continued to expand and serve as a vital resource for researchers and public health officials worldwide.

Importance

The collection is invaluable for the study of tick-borne diseases, which are a growing concern globally due to their impact on human and animal health. By providing access to a vast array of tick specimens, the U.S. National Tick Collection supports efforts to identify and understand the pathogens ticks carry, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This research is critical for developing strategies to prevent and control diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.

Research and Education

The U.S. National Tick Collection is not only a research facility but also an educational resource. It offers opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in entomology and acarology research, providing hands-on experience in specimen preparation, identification, and analysis. The collection also supports public education through outreach programs that raise awareness about tick-borne diseases and prevention methods.

Facilities and Access

Housed within the James H. Oliver, Jr. Institute for Coastal Plain Science, the collection's facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories for taxonomic research and disease studies. While primarily a research and educational resource, the collection is accessible to visiting scientists and scholars by appointment. Efforts are made to digitize the collection and make it available online, broadening access to this important resource.

Future Directions

The U.S. National Tick Collection continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to expand its holdings, improve specimen preservation, and enhance digital access. As tick-borne diseases emerge and spread due to factors like climate change and human encroachment into natural habitats, the collection's role in public health, biodiversity studies, and climate change research becomes increasingly vital.

U.S. National Tick Collection Resources
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