Event Title
Drafting Policy for Mandatory Reporting of Tick-borne Illnesses in Georgia
Faculty Mentor
Heidi Fowler
Keywords
Heidi Fowler
Abstract
We are investigating the relationship between environmental factors and the prevalence of tick and tick-borne illnesses (TBIs) in Georgia in order to draft public policy for reporting these illnesses. In Georgia, ticks are one of the most disease-causing vectors. In recent decades, the numbers of ticks have been increasing along the boundary between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, or the “fall line” of Georgia. Ticks and their disease pathogens have important impacts on biodiversity, animal and human health and the rural economy. The two tick borne pathogens most prevalent in Georgia are Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In order to manage ticks and TBIs it is essential to understand the key environmental determinants of tick abundance, disease persistence and spread.
Session Name:
Community and Global Health
Start Date
4-4-2014 9:00 AM
End Date
4-4-2014 10:00 AM
Location
HSB 121
Drafting Policy for Mandatory Reporting of Tick-borne Illnesses in Georgia
HSB 121
We are investigating the relationship between environmental factors and the prevalence of tick and tick-borne illnesses (TBIs) in Georgia in order to draft public policy for reporting these illnesses. In Georgia, ticks are one of the most disease-causing vectors. In recent decades, the numbers of ticks have been increasing along the boundary between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, or the “fall line” of Georgia. Ticks and their disease pathogens have important impacts on biodiversity, animal and human health and the rural economy. The two tick borne pathogens most prevalent in Georgia are Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In order to manage ticks and TBIs it is essential to understand the key environmental determinants of tick abundance, disease persistence and spread.