Deer-Targeted Interventions on Lyme Disease Incidence
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
Deer serve as hosts and transport mechanisms for blacklegged ticks, which in turn carry the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi that cause Lyme disease. Two deer-targeted interventions were evaluated: four-poster devices and a deer-reduction program. Four-poster devices are passive topical treatment systems in which bait attracts deer. As the deer feed, rollers apply acaricide (a pesticide) directly to the animal's head, neck, and ears. When the deer grooms itself, the acaricide is transferred to other body parts. The deer-reduction program is a controlled deer hunt.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the interventions is to reduce the number of blacklegged ticks to ultimately reduce the incidence of Lyme disease.
Impact
The four-poster device was effective in decreasing erythema migrans (EM) rash incidence in an endemic area. The deer hunt did not have a significant effect on the incidence of EM rash, although the incidence did decrease.
Results / Accomplishments
Both interventions were evaluated using a longitudinal, multiple-time series design. Cases were defined as residents in the study area diagnosed with an erythema migrans (EM) rash. To account for the general decreasing trend of these rashes in the study area, the intervention areas were compared to control areas as well as expanded control towns.
In the four-poster area, the mean EM rash incidence decreased from 427.5 to 137.8 cases per 100,000 population, a statistically significant decrease (p<0.001). In the deer hunt area, the mean incidence rate decreased from 450.8 to 245.9 cases per 100,000 population, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.432).
In the four-poster area, the mean EM rash incidence decreased from 427.5 to 137.8 cases per 100,000 population, a statistically significant decrease (p<0.001). In the deer hunt area, the mean incidence rate decreased from 450.8 to 245.9 cases per 100,000 population, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.432).
About this Promising Practice
Primary Contact
Neeta P. Connally, PhD
Yale School of Public Health Connecticut Emerging Infections Program, One Church St., 7th Fl., New Haven, CT 06510
203-764-4365
neeta.connally@yale.edu
Yale School of Public Health Connecticut Emerging Infections Program, One Church St., 7th Fl., New Haven, CT 06510
203-764-4365
neeta.connally@yale.edu
Topics
Health / Immunizations & Infectious Diseases
Source
Yale School of Public Health Connecticut Emerging Infections Program
Date of publication
May 2011
Date of implementation
1997
Geographic Type
Rural
Location
Northeastern United States
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