Environmental influences on soft tick populations and Borrelia presence in burrow habitats of South Texas

Throughout the southern United States, tick-borne pathogens pose a threat to the health of both humans and their companion animals, leading to concerns about their impact on veterinary and public health. This study investigates how environmental factors and microclimate variations affect the abundance and species composition of soft ticks (Argasidae) from animal burrows in southern Texas to better understand the factors influencing tick distribution and populations. Kestrel weather meters and mini-Kestrels are used to collect environmental data at both the macrohabitat level and at individual trap locations within each trapping site. These environmental variables include ambient temperature, humidity, dew point, heat index, wind speed, and altitude. Qualitative observations are also being recorded for each trapping site based on set categorical descriptions for variables including vegetation type, soil type, and percent shade. At each trapping location, collected soft ticks are identified to species and life stage. All environmental data from each trapping location are then extracted from the Kestrels for use in comparative analysis. In addition to the environmental assessments, collected ticks will be screened for relapsing fever group Borrelia. Environmental data will be used in multiple regression analysis to help determine the influence of environmental variables on tick abundance, distribution, and pathogen prevalence. This work aims to improve understanding of the ecology of medically relevant tick species in the region and contributes to identifying environmental predictors of tick presence, which may inform and improve vector surveillance and management efforts in South Texas.