In a unique collaboration aimed at shedding light on the increasing prevalence of tick-borne diseases in the country, hunters are joining forces with researchers to gather crucial information. Hunters are taking proactive measures by checking the animals they catch for ticks and sending them for testing to Baylor University and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The program, led by Sarah Gunter, Ph.D., director of the initiative, focuses on the hunter population as they are believed to be at high risk of tick exposure. The research team aims to assess the risk of tick-borne diseases in specific areas, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment for affected individuals.

Bringing attention to the urgency of addressing tick-borne diseases, Tony Galbo, whose 5-year-old daughter Gabby tragically passed away over a decade ago due to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, emphasizes the need for mandatory reporting, mapping, and public awareness. Galbo hopes that increased measures will lead to fewer cases being missed and more lives being saved.

Over the past two decades, reported cases of Lyme disease, the most commonly known tick-borne infection in the United States, have been on the rise. Gunter highlights the significant role of environmental factors, such as changes in seasons and an influx of human populations into previously uninhabited areas, that have created favorable conditions for ticks to establish themselves in new regions. This phenomenon, known as spillover, poses a substantial risk, as it increases the chances of disease transmission between animals and humans.

Experts advise taking precautions after spending time outdoors, including running clothing through a dryer to eliminate any ticks and conducting a thorough body check for any attached ticks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stresses the importance of preventing tick bites by avoiding grassy, brushy, and wooded areas, as well as using insect repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. In the event of a tick bite or suspected attachment, it is crucial to remove the tick promptly using tweezers and seek medical attention if changes in the bitten area or symptoms such as rash, fever, or headache occur. It is important to note that the rash associated with tick-borne diseases may not always exhibit the traditional bull's eye pattern commonly associated with Lyme disease.

Dr. Gunter emphasizes the significance of immediate treatment for optimal clinical outcomes. Early detection and appropriate medical intervention can help curb the adverse effects of tick-borne diseases.

As tick-borne diseases continue to pose a threat across the country, this collaborative effort between hunters, researchers, and advocacy for awareness and preventive measures offers hope in combating the growing risk. By working together, it is believed that the initiative will contribute to reducing the number of cases and ensuring better protection for individuals at risk of tick-borne infections.