ABSTRACT
ixodes scapularis (also called i. dammini) Deer tick, lyme disease tick, black-legged tick. Attach to skin from brush or scrub. Dx: Usually find adults, 3 to 7 mm, flat to bean shaped when engorged. Shades of brown (scutum darker than body), characteristic preanal groove on all stages. Nymphs look like small females. Habitat: Skin. Similar Species: Dermacentor variabilis. Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Range: Eastern US, other species in western states. Clinical Signs: Usually none, many can cause anemia. Comment: May want to submit engorged ticks to diagnostic lab to see if infected with lyme disease organism. Vector of lyme disease and various erhlichias. Potential Zoonosis: No direct transmission of pathogens without attachment. Tx: Removal – wash wound with alcohol.
