Edited by Dr. Virginia Charney
Indiana Ticks and Changes in Distribution
Indiana is home to more than 15 different species of ticks. However, four species of ticks represent the most common and important vectors of tick-borne disease in companion animals. These are the Blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum), American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), and brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Changes in climate and increased pet transportation have increased the prevalence of tick-borne diseases within the mid-eastern United States.
The Importance of Tick Identification
If a tick is found on an animal, the client or clinician should attempt to at least identify the genus of the tick. Identification of a tick parasite aids in shortening the differential diagnosis list for many hemolytic and thrombocytopenic diseases. It is also important in monitoring the potential distribution of tick-borne diseases in both humans and animals.2 Figure 1 provides a very basic algorithm for identification of the four most common ticks in Indiana. If a tick cannot be identified, it should be submitted to the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL).