Pilot Project, Year 9
Summary of project:
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) remains a major public health threat in Arizona tribal communities, where the brown dog tick (BDT) transmits Rickettsia rickettsii to humans.
- This project examines how BDT movement patterns influence the spread of different Rickettsia strains, with the goal of improving tick-control strategies.
- By studying tick population dynamics—including movement, colonization, and persistence—the research aims to better predict RMSF risk.
- Findings will support more effective prevention efforts in areas with elevated RMSF incidence.
Funding: The study is funded by NIMHD/NIH 5U54MD012388
About the investigators
Nathan Stone, PhD
Principal Investigator
Research Scientist, Pathogen & Microbiome Institute
Email: nathan.stone@nau.edu
David M. Wagner, PhD
Co-Investigator
Executive Director, Pathogen & Microbiome Institute
Email: dave.wagner@nau.edu
Kathleen Walker, PhD
Co-Investigator
Associate Professor, University of Arizona Entomology & Insect Science Department
Email: krwalker@cals.arizona.edu