Ticks can spread diseases when they are infected
with certain types of bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Transmission to
humans occurs through the bite of an infected tick. People who
spend time outdoors in tick-infested environments are at an
increased risk of becoming infected. Ticks are most active in warmer
months (April-September), though tickborne diseases have
been reported during every month of the year.
Through tick collection and speciation, the North
Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) monitors the risk of infection from
tickborne pathogens known to exist in this region. The North Dakota Tick
Surveillance Team focuses on Dermacentor variabilis and Ixodes
scapularis for pathogen identification.