Enhancement of Risk for Lyme Disease by Landscape Connectivity, New York, New York, USA

• DOI: 10.3201/eid2506.181741
• Publication Date: 2019-05-15T14:51:12Z
• Authors: Meredith C. VanAcker; Eliza A.H. Little; Goudarz Molaei; Waheed I. Bajwa; Maria A. Diuk-Wasser
• Keywords: Ixodes scapularis; Tick-borne disease

Most tickborne disease studies in the United States are conducted low-intensity residential development and forested areas, leaving much unknown about urban infection risks. To understand Lyme risk New York, USA, we tick surveys 24 parks throughout all 5 boroughs assessed how park connectivity landscape composition contribute to Ixodes scapularis nymphal densities Borrelia burgdorferi infection. We used circuit theory models determine differentially maintain for white-tailed deer, reproductive host I. ticks. found with vegetated buffers increased had higher nymph densities, degree of strongly determined B. prevalence. Our study challenges perspective that is restricted suburban natural settings emphasizes need green space design affects vector communities areas emerging disease.