Angelo Coast Range Reserve

04 Apr, 02 AM - 04 Apr, 08 AM

The objective of this research is to clarify the role of the western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus) as a species that maintains the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi that causes Lyme disease in the western USA. In a previous study in Hopland, Mendocino Co., 8/10 squirrels were positive for the disease. We are increasing the number of sites sampled in northern California to understand whether the squirrel is a reservoir for the disease throughout its range. Lizards are important because they host large numbers of ticks, but destroy Lyme disease in their ticks, and therefore may be important in reducing the risk of Lyme disease. Therefore we will be examining tick loads on lizards. To measure rates of disease risk to humans, ticks will also be harvested from the ground and examined for Lyme infection rates.

Visit #12383 @Angelo Coast Range Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 8156 | Research

Lyme disease and gray squirrels

research_scientist - University of California, Berkeley

Reservation Members(s)

Daniel Salkeld Apr 4, 2007 (1 days)

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Day use 1 Apr 4 (6 hours)