Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

New research found that white-footed mice, rather than deer, are closely linked to increases in young blacklegged ticks, challenging assumptions about Lyme disease drivers. Researchers also determined that large acorn crops can set off a chain reaction, potentially leading to more ticks two years later. The study notes that mouse populations help predict the number of ticks, though not necessarily how many will carry Lyme bacteria.

New research found that white-footed mice, not white-tailed deer, are closely linked to increases in young blacklegged ticks, challenging long-held assumptions about Lyme disease risk. Additionally, large acorn crops can predict higher tick numbers two years later by supporting increased mouse populations. The study was conducted at a 2,000-acre research site in Dutchess County, New York.

New research suggests that white-footed mice, not white-tailed deer, are closely linked to increases in young blacklegged ticks, challenging long-held assumptions about Lyme disease drivers. Researchers also found that large acorn crops can predict higher tick numbers two years later. The study draws on data collected since 1991 and emphasizes that the mix of hosts can affect how many ticks become infected.

New research suggests that white-footed mice, rather than deer, are closely linked to increases in young blacklegged ticks. The findings indicate that large acorn crops can trigger a chain reaction, leading to more mice and consequently higher tick numbers two years later. These observations challenge assumptions about the primary drivers of Lyme disease risk.