A Novel Rodent Bait to Reduce Lyme Disease Risk

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Lyme disease is an emerging infectious disease accounting for more than 90% of all reported vector-borne diseases. In the eastern United States, the spirochete Borellia burgdorferi, which causes the disease, is carried by the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). The main reservoir for the spirochete in the wild is the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus), which serves as the most common blood-meal host for the larval and nymphal life stages of the tick. Genesis staff is confident that the concept will prove successful in controlling ticks on mice. A Phase II proposal will be drafted to further the development of the product and include field testing and toxicological studies. The product will be regulated by the U.S. EPA, under the FIFRA guidelines. Initial discussion with the EPA have been held and an outline of the regulatory procedures developed. Once approved by the EPA, the product will be marketed to the public. Our intention is to have the product on the market by the spring of 2006. Patent protection was secured during 2002.