Montana’s Tick Surveillance: A Growing Concern Amid Climate Change

In the picturesque mountains near Condon, Montana, biologist Grant Hokit is on a mission that underscores a growing public health concern: the rise of tick populations and the diseases they carry. Armed with a makeshift tool crafted from plastic pipes and a large piece of white flannel, Hokit is conducting a scientific survey to identify tick species in the region. This seemingly simple task is crucial for understanding the potential health risks posed by these arachnids, especially as climate change alters their behavior and distribution.

The Quest for Ticks

As Hokit traverses a hiking path lined with long grasses and berry bushes, he sweeps the flannel cloth through the vegetation, hoping to capture “questing” ticks. These ticks, which dangle from blades of grass, extend their legs in anticipation of a passing host. “We got one,” Hokit exclaims, pointing to a tick he has just collected. This specimen, along with others, will be sent to his lab in Helena for identification. While many of the ticks are expected to be Rocky Mountain wood ticks, Hokit is particularly interested in detecting new species that may be infiltrating the state.

The urgency of this research is amplified by the effects of climate change. Warmer winters and shorter hibernation periods have led to increased tick activity, allowing them to spread to new areas. Earlier this year, Hokit discovered deer ticks in northeastern Montana for the first time. Known for transmitting Lyme disease, these ticks pose a significant health risk to humans and animals alike.

The Medical Implications

The arrival of new tick species has serious implications for public health. Dr. Neil Ku, an infectious disease specialist at the Billings Clinic, emphasizes the importance of understanding local tick populations. “Most patients don’t come in right after they get bitten by a tick,” he explains. Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, such as fever and chills, often manifest days or weeks after the bite, making it difficult for patients to connect their symptoms to a tick encounter.

The challenge is compounded by the fact that many patients do not retain the tick that bit them, complicating diagnosis. “Knowing what kinds of ticks are in the region will help doctors anticipate new diseases,” Dr. Ku adds. This knowledge is vital for timely and effective treatment.

The Role of Public Health Officials

Public health officials in Montana are keenly aware of the need for comprehensive tick surveillance. Devon Cozart, a zoonotic illness and vector-borne disease epidemiologist with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, highlights the importance of understanding tick populations. “The more we know about what’s in Montana, the better we can inform our physicians,” Cozart states. This proactive approach aims to enhance patient care and public awareness.

Cozart’s team conducts field surveys to collect and test ticks for pathogens. The findings are crucial for understanding the prevalence of tick-borne diseases in the state. However, tick surveillance is not uniformly implemented across the country. A 2023 survey revealed that only about 25% of health departments engage in some form of tick monitoring.

Challenges in Tick Surveillance

The disparity in tick surveillance efforts raises concerns about public health preparedness. Chelsea Gridley-Smith, director of environmental health at the National Association of City and County Health Officials, notes that while some health departments are eager to start tick surveillance, funding remains a significant barrier. “Field surveys can be expensive,” she explains. Many local health departments rely on passive surveillance, where concerned citizens and veterinarians collect and submit ticks for identification. While this method provides some data, it lacks the depth needed to understand tick populations and their associated risks fully.

In Montana, the state receives approximately $60,000 annually from federal grants for tick surveillance, but most of this funding is allocated to mosquito monitoring, which is more intensive and costly. Hokit acknowledges the limitations of his small team, stating that they cannot cover the vast expanse of Montana as thoroughly as they would like. This lack of comprehensive data hampers efforts to monitor emerging tick populations, such as the newly discovered deer ticks.

Predicting Tick Habitats

Despite these challenges, Hokit is leveraging data on climate and vegetation to predict where deer ticks might thrive in Montana. He is particularly focused on areas like the Flathead Valley, which may provide suitable habitats for these ticks. By narrowing down potential hotspots, Hokit aims to enhance surveillance efforts and inform the public about the risks associated with deer ticks and the diseases they may carry.

Conclusion

As climate change continues to reshape ecosystems, the implications for public health are becoming increasingly evident. The rise of tick populations and the introduction of new species like the deer tick in Montana highlight the urgent need for effective surveillance and public awareness. By understanding the dynamics of tick populations and their associated health risks, public health officials and medical professionals can better prepare for the challenges posed by tick-borne diseases. The work of researchers like Grant Hokit is vital in this ongoing effort, as they strive to protect the health of both residents and visitors in this beautiful but tick-infested region.