The Extension
Entomologist at Penn State University is leading a research project focused on deer
parasites, specifically ticks and deer keds (a type of fly), which may transmit
disease to deer and hunters. He is recruiting deer hunters to submit specimens
they collect from deer and have free sampling kits available for the first 500
who pre-order them. He would really appreciate it if you could share the
information below with deer hunters, sportsmen’s clubs, and hunting leases.
I've included images of the brochure about the project below, including how to
order a kit. Click here to go to the Pennsylvania Parasite Hunters project web site.
Pennsylvania
Parasite Hunters
 |
| Blacklegged tick |
Blacklegged
ticks are perhaps the best-known external parasite of deer in Pennsylvania as
they aggressively bite people and can transmit the pathogens that cause Lyme
and other diseases. However, ticks aren’t the only deer-associated parasites
that bite humans. Deer keds, which are a kind of parasitic fly, can be more
abundant than ticks on individual deer and are often confused with ticks due to
their superficial resemblance.
 |
| Deer ked |
Deer keds have historically been considered a minor nuisance
due to their bites but of no serious medical concern. However, several recent
studies have isolated various pathogens from keds using DNA sequencing. It is
not known yet whether keds are simply picking the pathogens up when they feed
on infected hosts or whether they can actively transmit the disease agents.
As a result, the Penn State Insect Identification Laboratory
and the Penn State Veterinary Entomology Laboratory have teamed up to develop a
volunteer project to learn more about keds in Pennsylvania. Hunters are
requested to send in specimens of both ticks and keds collected from harvested
deer. Free parasite collection kits – which contain a louse comb for combing
through deer hair for ked specimens, vials with preservative, and postage-paid
return envelopes – are available to request through the project website.
Hunters
without such kits can collect keds and ticks into hand sanitizer or rubbing
alcohol and send the specimens in liquid-tight containers (such as a pill vial)
in ziplock bags to the PSU Insect Identification Laboratory, address below. We
also ask that the following information be included with the parasites: name
(optional), date of collection, collection locality (county at minimum, township
or closest city preferred (we don’t need to know where your secret hunting spot
is), and if the parasites were collected on the deer or the hunter.
Additional
details about deer keds, including life history and photographs;
identification; how to avoid keds and ticks, including precautions to take
before and after hunting; and how collect and submit samples are available on
the project website.
Mail
inquiries and samples can be directed to the following address:
Attn: Ked
research project
Insect
Identification Laboratory
501
Agricultural Science & Industries Building
University
Park, PA, 16802
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