Tick Surveillance and Mass Capture Trap

This project will convert the Modular Insect Trap patented by Lt. Matthew Yans USN into a mass- manufacturable trap suitable for surveillance of ticks of veterinary importance. The novel productwill be easy to store transport and deploy; will include a long-lasting shelf-stable lure; and willcapture multiple tick species for periodic identification counting and analysis for harboredpathogens.In Phase I we used 3D-printed models and laboratory bioassays to define the characteristics of anoptimal trap e.g. graduated slope for ticks to approach an adhesive ceiling suitable lure reservoirand proprietary adhesive formulation. Despite Covid-19 delaying field work we recentlydemonstrated that vacuum-formed prototypes were similar in performance to the original design.Working with collaborators at Washington State and Texas A&M Universities we will pursue fiveAims in Phase II.1. We will develop and evaluate a biotic CO2 generator with experimentally- tested adjuvants that is as effective as dry ice but lasts at least 40x longer. 2. Using 3D-printing wewill manufacture experimentally evaluate and modify pre-commercial prototypes and select thebest design and materials for field evaluation. 3. The optimal prototype and slow-release lure willbe field-tested against tick species in at least two geographic regions. 4. The new trap and lure willbe evaluated as a potential surveillance tool for cattle fever ticks along the Texas-Mexico border. 5.Captured ticks retained on traps for different time periods will be examined using moleculardiagnostic techniques for pathogen incidence to establish the window during which accuratediagnosis can be determined.