What is the primary disease transmitted by Ixodes pacificus in the western US?
Answer
Lyme disease
The Western Blacklegged Tick, *Ixodes pacificus*, functions as the principal vector responsible for transmitting Lyme disease throughout the western regions of the United States and Canada. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium *Borrelia burgdorferi*. While this specific tick species is capable of carrying agents for other illnesses, such as Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis, its most notorious and primary role in this geographical area is the transmission of the pathogen causing Lyme disease. Successful transmission of this pathogen requires the tick to remain attached to a host for a prolonged duration, typically needing 36 to 48 hours or longer before the pathogen is successfully transferred into the host's bloodstream.
Related Questions
What is the primary disease transmitted by Ixodes pacificus in the western US?Which Ixodes pacificus life stage causes the majority of Lyme disease transmissions?What type of environment does Ixodes pacificus strongly favor over open, sunny fields?What is the scientific name for the Eastern cousin of Ixodes pacificus?How do Ixodes pacificus ticks typically encounter a host when questing?What minimum attachment duration is usually required for Borrelia burgdorferi transmission?Besides Lyme disease, what two other illnesses has I. pacificus been found to carry?Where is the highest tick density observed near cleared areas, per park management observation?What specific substrate is crucial for the preferred habitat of I. pacificus?What common surveillance method physically captures I. pacificus by dragging across vegetation?