Tick Testing 101 “We do a surprising amount of chicken work,” Scott continues. “CVMDL com- pletes efficient and timely necropsies on chickens. We also utilize them for rabies testing, and Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) test for small ruminants. Clients who own sheep and goats want their ani- mals to be CAE negative, and need proof of that. We send the samples to CVMDL.” Tick testing is part of the molecular diag- nostics section. A single infected deer tick can transmit anywhere from one to four illnesses simultaneously. CVMDL is the only laboratory in the state that will test a deer tick off humans or animals. CVMDL also tests other common species of ticks. The lab tests deer ticks for Borrelia burgdor- feri, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, and Borrelia miyamotoi. Dog Ticks are tested for Francisella tularensis, Rickettsia rickettsia, and Ehrlichia species. Lonestar ticks are tested for Ehrlichia species, Francisella tularensis, and Borrelia lonestari. Brown Dog ticks are tested for Rickettsia rickettsia and Ehrlichia species. Residents, doctors, veterinarians, and public health officials utilize tick testing services to make proactive and informed decisions regarding human and animal health. In 2017, 397 ticks were tested. Connecticut is home to a number of large dairy farms, and CVMDL provides mastitis testing and environmental patho- gen testing, in addition to Brucellosis, Johnne’s, and other diseases. Rabies tests on animals that may have come in contact with a human are also sent to the Department of Public Health for confir- mation testing. All other rabies testing in Connecticut is done at CVMDL. The laboratory is on the frontlines of safeguarding animal and human health in Connecticut. Each case that arrives in Storrs is different, and provides the team at CVMDL with another opportunity to teach students and clients, develop new tests and procedures, and monitor disease and health issues. “Residents, doctors, veterinarians, and public health officials utilize tick testing services to make proactive and informed decisions regarding human and animal health. ” If you find a tick on yourself, your child, or your pet, remove it immediately! The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) can test the tick for patho- gens. Ticks received at the CVMDL are first examined under a microscope by trained technicians to determine the species of tick, life stage, and de- gree of blood engorgement, all of which are factors that may impact transmission of pathogens to the person or animal. Ticks may then be tested for the DNA of pathogens that are common to that tick species. Results are reported within 3-5 business days of receiving the sample, and next day testing is available for an additional fee. How to send in ticks Please send ticks in sealed zip lock bags accompanied by a small square of moist paper towel. The submission form, pricing and the “Do’s and Don’ts of tick testing” can be found on our website at http://s. uconn.edu/468. For more information contact the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at 860-486-3738 or online at cvmdl.uconn.edu. TOOLS & TRAINING 2017 HIGHLIGHTS OF EXTENSION 17