Ticks are migrating to new areas of the US, but surveillance efforts may not be keeping up with the spread. Biologist Grant Hokit conducts field surveys in Montana’s mountains to identify ticks and monitor their potential threat to human health.
As winters shorten due to climate change, ticks spend more time active and can hitch rides on animals and people. Some species carry diseases that can infect humans, making accurate identification crucial for doctors.
Dr. Neil Ku, an infectious disease specialist, notes that most patients don’t seek medical attention immediately after a tick bite. Doctors rely on information about the types of ticks in a region to inform treatment options.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services is conducting surveys to better understand tick populations and prevent diseases. However, funding constraints limit the scope of these efforts, leaving some areas underserved.
Biologist Hokit uses data on climate and vegetation to predict where deer ticks might thrive in western Montana, allowing his team to focus surveillance efforts in those areas. While this approach provides valuable insights, it’s not a substitute for comprehensive surveillance.
A 2023 survey found that only about a quarter of health departments conduct tick surveillance. The lack of standardization and funding constraints hinder effective monitoring of tick populations, leaving doctors uncertain about the best course of action when treating patients with suspected tick-borne illnesses.
Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/08/20/nx-s1-5507076/ticks-are-migrating-but-scant-surveillance-may-leave-doctors-in-the-dark-on-patient-treatment