Sheldon Museum Tick Talk

David Allen, Associate Professor of biology at Middlebury College will present “The Ecology of Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases” in the Sheldon’s barn. Allen studies the ecological, climate, and landscape factors which determine tick-borne disease risk. He uses a mix of fieldwork, lab-based and modeling methods.

Over the last two decades, tick populations and cases of tick-borne diseases (like Lyme disease) have increased dramatically in Vermont. Tick populations are influenced by a complex set of biotic (e.g., deer and mouse populations) and abiotic (e.g., climate) drivers.

As a result, it is hard to say what is responsible for the dramatic change to tick populations.

This talk will present a brief introduction to tick biology. Allen will also discuss his research trying to understand what drives tick-borne disease risk in Vermont.

Free and open to the public, seating is limited, first come-first served. Bring a bag lunch if you’d like!