{"id":8825,"date":"2019-05-17T16:05:54","date_gmt":"2019-05-17T20:05:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-epidemiology\/?page_id=8825"},"modified":"2026-03-30T11:04:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T15:04:55","slug":"virginia-tick-survey","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/ticks\/tick-identification\/virginia-tick-survey\/","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Tick Survey"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-8825\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-8825-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-8825-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-8825-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_pt_tabs pt-widget-tabs panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" >\t\t\t<div class=\"pt-tabs\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"pt-tabs__navigation  nav  nav-tabs\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"nav-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"nav-link  active\" data-toggle=\"tab\" href=\"#tab-project-information\" role=\"tab\">Project Information<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"nav-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"nav-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" href=\"#tab-project-results\" role=\"tab\">Project Results<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pt-tabs__content  tab-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tab-pane  fade  in  active\" id=\"tab-project-information\" role=\"tabpanel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-w69ca91177adee\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w69ca91177adee-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69ca91177adee-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69ca91177adee-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca91177adee-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p><strong>The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) would like your help to further our understanding of tick ecology in Virginia. Our goal is to better understand which ticks are biting humans as well as the spatial distribution of Virginia's tick species of public health concern. Your participation in this survey helps the VDH better understand tick encounters in the state! \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you find a tick on yourself or another person, follow the steps outlined on this page to participate. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0We do not identify ticks from out of state. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This survey provides the tick identification<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">results back to the user at no cost, and tick data is shown on the \u2018Project Results\u2019 tab. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We will also share with you some information on common tickborne diseases in the state and which tick species can spread them \u2013 which can help you talk with your healthcare provider. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Please see the Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of the page for more information.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>If you have questions about the survey please email: <a href=\"mailto:va.ticksurvey@vdh.virginia.gov\">va.ticksurvey@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w69ca91177adee-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69ca91177adee-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69ca91177adee-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca91177adee-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW26070445 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26070445 BCX8\">** We do not test <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26070445 BCX8\">submitted<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26070445 BCX8\"> ticks for diseases. This is <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW26070445 BCX8\">only <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW26070445 BCX8\">used<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26070445 BCX8\"> for<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26070445 BCX8\"> tick species identification<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW26070445 BCX8\"> ** \u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW26070445 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w69ca91177adee-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69ca91177adee-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69ca91177adee-2-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca91177adee-2-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-dbf295114b96-8825\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w69ca91177adee-2-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_siteorigin-panels-builder\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca91177adee-2-0-1\" ><div id=\"pl-w69ca8e5f705bd\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w69ca8e5f705bd-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w69ca8e5f705bd-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69ca8e5f705bd-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69ca8e5f705bd-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca8e5f705bd-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Step 1: Find and safely remove ticks<\/h3>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w69ca8e5f705bd-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w69ca8e5f705bd-1\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69ca8e5f705bd-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69ca8e5f705bd-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca8e5f705bd-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-113ccd71f3e6\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/217\/tick_check_print.jpg\" width=\"632\" height=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/217\/tick_check_print.jpg 632w, https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/217\/tick_check_print-271x300.jpg 271w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 632px) 100vw, 632px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w69ca8e5f705bd-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca8e5f705bd-1-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\">CDC: Check body for ticks after any outdoor activity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w69ca8e5f705bd-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69ca8e5f705bd-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca8e5f705bd-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-113ccd71f3e6\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/217\/stopticks_c350px.gif\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" sizes=\"(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w69ca8e5f705bd-1-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca8e5f705bd-1-1-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\">CDC: Grasp tick close to skin with tweezer, pull straight out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w69ca8e5f705bd-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w69ca8e5f705bd-2\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69ca8e5f705bd-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69ca8e5f705bd-2-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca8e5f705bd-2-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<ol>\n<li>After outdoor activity, inspect clothes and body for ticks. Remember to check in armpits, in and around ears and hair, belly button, backs of knees, and in between legs. Inspect children, clothing, and gear. Although VDH is not accepting ticks removed from pets, do not forget to check your furry family members as well.<\/li>\n<li>If you find a tick- use a tweezer to grasp the tick as close as possible to the skin.<\/li>\n<li>Pull upwards, with steady even pressure, until the tick releases to avoid breaking the mouthparts of the tick or rupturing the tick's body.<\/li>\n<li>After tick removal, clean the skin and bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and warm water.<\/li>\n<li>Save your tick in a bag or small container with rubbing alcohol to kill and sanitize the tick. Follow the instructions in Step 2 to submit for identification. Never crush a tick with your fingers.<\/li>\n<li>Note when your tick exposure occurred in case an illness develops in the following days to weeks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w69ca91177adee-2-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_siteorigin-panels-builder\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca91177adee-2-0-2\" ><div id=\"pl-w69ca8ff56f65d\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w69ca8ff56f65d-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69ca8ff56f65d-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69ca8ff56f65d-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca8ff56f65d-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Step 2: Complete Tick Survey<\/h3>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Our quick '<a href=\"https:\/\/is.gd\/vacts\">Tick Survey<\/a>' can be completed on a computer or mobile device. <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW190187186 BCX8\">We will ask questions related to where in Virginia you were<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW190187186 BCX8\"> when you found the tick, where on the body it was, and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW190187186 BCX8\">contact information for us to send the identification<\/span>. To access the survey, please click on the survey image or scan the QR code with your smartphone below:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w69ca8ff56f65d-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69ca8ff56f65d-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69ca8ff56f65d-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca8ff56f65d-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-113ccd71f3e6\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/is.gd\/vacts\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/217\/Virginia-Citizen-Tick-Survey-Example-300x285-1.png\" width=\"300\" height=\"285\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" title=\"Virginia-Citizen-Tick-Survey-Example-300&#215;285\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w69ca8ff56f65d-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69ca8ff56f65d-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca8ff56f65d-1-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-113ccd71f3e6\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/217\/unnamed.png\" width=\"159\" height=\"159\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/217\/unnamed.png 159w, https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/217\/unnamed-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 159px) 100vw, 159px\" alt=\"\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w69ca91177adee-2-0-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"5\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca91177adee-2-0-3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Step 3: Submit tick photos to VDH (Optional)<\/h3>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Important Note: <\/strong><strong>We have included the option to upload photos of your tick(s)<\/strong><strong>. <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW170299840 BCX8\">Please note, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW170299840 BCX8\">photo quality ma<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW170299840 BCX8\">y <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW170299840 BCX8\">impa<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW170299840 BCX8\">ct<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW170299840 BCX8\"> our identification ability.<\/span> Make sure to fill out the survey and follow the directions below.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to take and submit pictures of your tick(s): <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Step 1) Place the tick on a light-colored background and make sure you have good lighting. Clear two-sided tape can be used to secure the tick to keep it in focus.<\/p>\n<p>Step 2) Move your camera or smart phone close to the tick and adjust the focus and so that the picture is not blurry. You may need to back away from the tick and use the digital zoom on your phone or camera to get the best picture possible.<\/p>\n<p>You want to have a large picture of the tick with as much detail as possible (this helps with identification).<\/p>\n<p>Step 3) Take picture #1<\/p>\n<p>Step 4) Flip the tick over so the opposite side is now upwards.<\/p>\n<p>Step 5) Follow Step 2 for taking a picture.<\/p>\n<p>Step 6) Take picture #2<\/p>\n<p>Step 7) Repeat this process for each tick.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w69ca91177adee-2-0-4\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"6\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca91177adee-2-0-4\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Step 4: Submit the tick specimen(s) to VDH<\/h3>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>To submit tick(s) to VDH, place the tick(s) inside a sealed, zipper locked, bag or leak-proof container. Place the bag or container in an envelope, ideally a protective bubble envelope. There is no need to add alcohol or preservative when submitting the tick. Include a note clearly labeled with your email address and survey submission number (emailed after survey completion). VDH does not cover the cost of shipping, and the tick will not be returned to the submitter after it is received.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Address to:<\/strong><br \/>\nATTN: Vectorborne Team<br \/>\nVDH Office of Epidemiology<br \/>\n109 Governor St, 2nd Floor<br \/>\nRichmond, VA 23219<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w69ca91177adee-2-0-5\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"7\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca91177adee-2-0-5\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Step 5: What to expect after tick submission<\/h3>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Upon completion of the survey, expect an automated email with your survey ID, to be included upon submission of your tick(s), and other helpful information.<\/p>\n<p>Expect to be emailed the results of the tick species within 10-14 days of submission. <span class=\"TextRun SCXW232881128 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW232881128 BCX8\">Check out <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW232881128 BCX8\">our<\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW232881128 BCX8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-epidemiology\/virginia-tick-survey\/?tab=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW232881128 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW232881128 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\"> interactive map<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW232881128 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW232881128 BCX8\"> to view data gathered by all <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW232881128 BCX8\">participants<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW232881128 BCX8\">!<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW232881128 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w69ca91177adee-2-0-6\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"8\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca91177adee-2-0-6\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h3 class=\"widget-title\">FAQ<\/h3>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p aria-level=\"4\"><strong>What is citizen science?<br \/>\n<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Citizen science involves the public in scientific research. VDH is interested to better understand tick ecology throughout the Commonwealth. Our small entomology team frequently travels to collect ticks by dragging methods. However, we look to expand our knowledge as to which species bite humans - critical information to understand disease risk. We look forward to your involvement and appreciate your participation in these efforts.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"4\"><strong>Which diseases can ticks transmit and which ticks are common in VA?<br \/>\n<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Visit the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/ticks\/tick-identification\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">tick identification webpage<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0for information about ticks and tick-borne diseases in Virginia.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Do you test my tick for diseases\/pathogens?<br \/>\n<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At this time, we only provide species identification and <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">do not test ticks that are submitted to us for diseases.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>I completed the survey. Now what?<br \/>\n<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Our entomology team reviews online submissions and mailed-in specimens Monday-Friday. We will identify the tick, upload the identification to the survey (life stage(s), species), and an automatic response will be sent to return this information to you. In the email, it will also contain information on the tickborne diseases we find most in Virginia and which tick species they are associated with. It is important to note that <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">we do not test submitted ticks for diseases.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Is this only available in the summer?<br \/>\n<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This service is available year-round, and you may submit multiple surveys\/ticks.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"4\"><strong>What happens to the tick(s) that I sent in?<br \/>\n<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Our team will identify the type of tick from the photos or specimen that was sent in and will notify you within 2-14 days by updating your survey with the ID. Submitted ticks may either be destroyed, retained for internal teaching use by VDH or by one of our local partnering government agencies, or may be used in outreach or educational events. No identifying personal information will be released.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"4\"><strong>I found a tick on me, but it didn\u2019t bite me. Can I still send it in?<br \/>\n<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes! We will identify ticks found on a person, whether or not they have become embedded (bitten).\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I found a tick on my dog\/cat\/horse. Can I send it in?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes! Starting in 2026 we will identify and record tick submissions collected from companion animals (i.e., pets - not commercial livestock). Please note that we will prioritize identifying ticks collected from people first, so there may be additional delays during high-volume parts of the year with returning identifications from ticks collected from an animal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tab-pane  fade\" id=\"tab-project-results\" role=\"tabpanel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"pl-w69ca91177adf8\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w69ca91177adf8-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69ca91177adf8-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69ca91177adf8-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-w69ca91177adf8-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t\n<!-- iframe plugin v.6.0 wordpress.org\/plugins\/iframe\/ -->\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/views\/VirginiaCitizenTickSurveyMap\/CitizenTickScienceDashboard?:language=en-US&#038;:display_count=n&#038;:origin=viz_share_link?:language=en-US&#038;publish=yes&#038;:display_count=y&#038;:origin=viz_share_link?:embed=y&#038;amp;:display_count=yes&#038;amp;amp;:showVizHome=no\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1200\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Project Information Project Results The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) would like your help to further our understanding of tick ecology in Virginia. 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