Ticks were assayed via DFA testing using antibody conjugate from Kirkegaard and Perry Laboratories, Inc. to determine presence of the Lyme disease spirochete, B. burgdorferi. This conjugate is affinity absorbed to minimize cross reactivity with other spirochetes. No ticks were collected on area drags. However, D. variabilis has not been implicated in the transmission of Lyme disease. No spirochetes were observed in the 1 I. angustus.
Areas trapped include bivouac areas, range, training and recreational sites.
Dragging was done at the Lake Frederick bivouac area with no ticks collected. While previously collected, the Lyme disease tick vector, Ixodes dammini, was not collected at USMA during this Survey. Orange County, where USMA is located, reported 40 confirmed cases of Lyme disease in 1991. Implementation of personal protective measures for all military and civilians using USMA for training, bivouac, and recreation is recommended. The moderate risk category and conditions at USMA dictate the need for continued prevention programs and increased surveillance.