D3108: Tick- and flea-borne disease surveillance along the Texas/Mexico border

Tick- and flea-borne diseases in South Texas have historically not received significant attention due to the high temperatures and lack of reported diseases. However, recent incidences of flea-borne typhus and rickettsial diseases in Texas have highlighted the need for increased understanding of tick- and flea-borne diseases. Working in conjunction with other partners in the Western Gulf Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, we initiated and participated in a long-term collection, identification, and testing effort for ticks and fleas to assess the risk of common tick- and flea-borne diseases. While the 2020 season was disrupted in March 2020 with SARS-COV2 concerns, surveillance activities have resumed in September 2020. Collection sites have included local animal shelters, field collections, and partnering with veterinarians to receive samples. To date, we have identified 2132 ticks, consisting of 4 species and 344 fleas, consisting of 4 species. The most common tick species collected in animal shelters and veterinarian clinics was Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and the most common flea species was Ctenocephlides felis. Testing has identified Rickettsia amblyommatis, R. parkeri, and Ehrlichia chaffeesnsis in the ticks and is ongoing within the fleas. We discuss the temporal and geographic patterns, as well as future efforts to expand this study.