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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Aug 5

Every year, tick-borne diseases spread further, threatening families nationwide. With critical funding for research & prevention at risk, we need leaders to act NOW. Urge Congress to Reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act - our health depends on it! Demand action: bit.ly/4l1Ntsk

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Reposted by Erika Machtinger

Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics at Penn State @ciddpsu.bsky.social · Jul 30

Hear from @machtingerlab.bsky.social if you should be worried about ticks.

The New York Times @nytimes.com · Jul 25

Tick populations are increasing, possibly a result of climate change, and tick-related ER visits are spiking across the U.S. Experts share advice on how to assess your risk.

Should You Be Worried About Ticks?

Experts share advice on how to assess your risk.

trib.al

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Reposted by Erika Machtinger

The Conversation U.S. @us.theconversation.com · Jul 27

Today’s special: Meat with a side of maggots. 🪰

New research suggests Neanderthals may have eaten fermented, maggot-rich meat, not just for survival, but as a routine (and nutritious) part of their diet.

theconversation.com/neanderthals...

#science #anthropology

Neanderthals likely ate fermented meat with a side of maggots

New research highlights the prevalence of maggots as an easily obtained, nutrient-rich supplement of ancient hominin diets.

theconversation.com

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Jul 24

Key takeaways from our discussion:
✅ Early detection saves lives
✅ Simple prevention strategies work
✅ Climate change is expanding tick habitats
Learn more about protecting yourself and your family

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Jul 24

I recently shared insights on the growing challenge of tick-borne diseases in our state with Penn State's Institute of Energy and the Environment. From Lyme disease to emerging threats, understanding prevention is key to keeping our communities safe.

iee.psu.edu/news/blog/un...

Understanding and preventing tick-borne disease in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the U.S. for reported cases of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. To better understand the risks and how to stay safe, we spoke with Erika Machtinger...

iee.psu.edu

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Jul 13

📢Workshop Announcement📢

We have exciting news! The VectorED Network and PSU Extension are hosting a hands-on ectoparasite workshop at the ESA August meeting in Baltimore, MD on August 10th. 🦟🔬

Learn more and register now!
entsoc.org/events/ecopa...

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Jun 25

So excited to see one of my articles out in the wild (@ Abington Equine Hospital)! Lots of good information on fly management in this issue.

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · May 27

Read the paper 👉 doi.org/10.1111/jzo....

This work was from the graduate studies of Dr. Jessica Brown (now at the CT Ag Experiment Station).

Permission to bite: White‐footed mice show no increased grooming response to tick infestation

White-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) are one of the most frequently studied hosts of blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis); however, interactions between white-footed mice and ticks are not easily....

doi.org

Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · May 27

Want to understand Lyme disease and host-parasite interactions better? We learned more about how white-footed mice (key Lyme disease reservoirs) respond to ticks. The results might surprise you! #PublicHealth #TickBorne #Research
Listen to the podcast 👉: spti.fi/mORwnw1

Permission to Bite: Exploring White-Footed Mice and Their Surprising Tick Responses

Attachment Issues: New Frontiers in Ectoparasites Research · Episode

spti.fi

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · May 23

A searchable database with over 1,200 educational materials from Land Grant Extension services focused on science-based education on vectors and vector-borne diseases.

Read more about it here ⬇️
www.psu.edu/news/agricul...

And visit the website yourself and look around! ⬇️
www.vector-education.org

VECTOR Library launches to strengthen response to vector-borne disease threats | Penn State University

As the United States observes Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May, public health and extension professionals across the country have a powerful new tool at their fingertips: the VECTOR Library, a cent...

www.psu.edu

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · May 23

Want more information on how to prevent tick bites? Want to watch a video? Or read a fact sheet? Want horse-specific information? Or something about dogs? You can find it all in the new Vector Education, Communication, and Training Online Resource (VECTOR) Library!

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · May 21

The 2025 field season is off to a great start! Our VectorED TEC interns are learning deer handling, out in the field mouse trapping, and conducting tick surveillance. They are also learning some vet skills, including skin biopsies and sutures and blood draws. A lot to get through in just two weeks!

Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Apr 12

Wrapped up year 3 collaborating with BFREE in Belize looking at tick diversity. Another amazing trip and 🤞 for upcoming proposals so we can continue!

www.bfreebz.org

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Apr 11

Tapir!

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Apr 9

Another amazing day in Belize. Anyone want to guess the animal these ticks are on?

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Apr 9

Another amazing trip to Belize. Can anyone guess what animal these ticks are on?

Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Apr 7

First morning back in the jungle @ Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education - Full day of tick dragging and grant planning ahead!

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Mar 30

Background: Tick tubes are small cardboard tubes filled with permethrin-treated cotton or other nesting material designed to target ticks at their primary hosts—rodents, particularly white-footed mice.

Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Mar 30

If you were to place tick tubes around your home, or in public lands that you manage, would you be more likely to stake these down or not? We are trying to answer this very simple question to develop a protocol for evaluation of these tubes at tick control, so I'd LOVE your responses!

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Mar 30

Response requested!! I'm asking those of you that have homes, farms, or manage property (public or private) to answer one question regarding Tick Control Tubes!
pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Mar 15

Missed this one, but interested in taking this workshop? Keep checking back to see where our next one will be held!

www.vectorednetwork.org/workshops

www.vectorednetwork.org

Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Mar 15

From Bites to Insights workshop has started! Gearing up for a full day for vector and ectoparasite education and training.

A VectorED Network and Penn State Extension collaboration with the MUVE section and Eastern Branch of Entomological Society of America

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Mar 13

Tick Summit 14 in the books! Great job Gabby & Mia putting together your posters! Thanks to the organizers at the MD Department of Health and others for yet another awesome event and networking opportunity.

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Reposted by Erika Machtinger

Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Feb 18

Come work with me!
Public Health Entomologist (assistant/associate level)

ento.psu.edu/news/open-po...

Open Position: Assistant/Associate Professor of Public Health Entomology

ento.psu.edu

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Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · Feb 18

Come work with me!
Public Health Entomologist (assistant/associate level)

ento.psu.edu/news/open-po...

Open Position: Assistant/Associate Professor of Public Health Entomology

ento.psu.edu

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