Citizen Science
Current Citizen Science Opportunities
The Great Arizona Tick Check
Make a difference in the public health of all Arizonans! In Arizona and across the United States, different tick species are being found in new locations, and the number of people falling sick in some areas is increasing. Participate in this effort to help create an accurate map of tick species and possible diseases in every county in the state of Arizona! This information will help county and tribal health departments, physicians and veterinarians anticipate, recognize and treat tick-borne diseases effectively.
The Great Arizona Tick Check is a partnership between Arizona Department of Health Services, the University of Arizona, county and tribal health departments, veterinary clinics, animal shelters and interested citizens throughout the state. To participate, please send any ticks you find in your home, on yourself, family members, pets, livestock, wildlife or even just out in the environment to the University of Arizona for identification and testing to:
Dr. Kathleen Walker
Forbes 410, Dept. of Entomology
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721
(see additional instructions below in the attached file how to send ticks)
More information on the Great Arizona Tick Check
In Arizona and across the United States, different tick species are being found in new locations, and the number of people falling sick in some areas is increasing. The most common tick in Arizona is the Brown Dog Tick which can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a serious illness marked by fever and rash. Historical records show other tick species and tickborne diseases may also be present in Arizona, but more information is needed for us to reduce the risk of illness. Please join the Great Arizona Tick Check to create an accurate map of tick species and possible diseases in every county in the state. This information will help county and tribal health departments, physicians and veterinarians anticipate, recognize and treat tick-borne diseases effectively.
Hard ticks have four life stages: egg, six-legged larva, eight-legged nymph, and adult. At each stage, the tick must feed on blood from an animal host. You are most likely to find nymph or adult ticks, as they are bigger and feed for longer. Adult female ticks swell up enormously as they feed for days on the host.