Location: Animal Disease Research Unit
Project Number: 2090-32000-044-003-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 1, 2026
End Date: Sep 1, 2028
Objective:
The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is an invasive tick species in the United States and is a vector of the causative agent of bovine theileriosis, Theileria orientalis Ikeda. The Asian longhorned tick has been anecdotally reported to survive in the environment after partially-feeding on a host, which could have implications for pathogen transmission. However, the role of feeding interruption on overall tick survival and pathogen transmission remains poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate molting success following feeding disruption at various time points; determine whether H. longicornis can successfully reattach and continue feeding after interruption; and assess the impact of interrupted feeding on T. orientalis transmission dynamics.
Approach:
In order to characterize the effects of interrupted feeding on Asian longhorned tick survival and pathogen transmission, we will first interrupt feeding at predetermined time points and assess whether molting is successful at each time point. This will determine critical feeding thresholds for successful development. Then, we will determine whether ticks will reattach to a new host after premature removal, thus demonstrating the potential for pathogen transmission between hosts following removal. To investigate how these feeding mechanisms may affect transmission dynamics, we will experimentally infect ticks with Theileria orientalis and then move them to a naive host after allowing them to feed for predetermined time points to determine whether transmission is successful. From this, we can use these parameters to predict the distributions of the Asian longhorned tick and T. orientalis in the United States. This study is critical to understanding tick biology and pathogen transmission dynamics, however, we currently don't have the ecological or mechanistic modeling expertise or resources to complete this project at ADRU. To address this gap, WSU will provide the qualified personnel and expertise to support the project's goals.