Research Progress
Here, deer. Near the Narrow
River in South County, RI, URI researchers fill a feeder that
attracts but doesn't harm deer. From left, Ryan Russo, Leslie
Leach, Michelle Lee and Nate Miller set the trap for deer ticks. |
The Center for Vector-Borne Diseases
at the University of Rhode Island studies various aspects of Lyme
disease, including epidemiology (the study of the incidence and
control of disease), prevention and control strategies. Director
Thomas Mather, PhD, and his team have been monitoring tick activity
since 1993. Mather's research extends to elimination of ticks in
the wild. "We're testing a strategy involving an innovative
deer feeding station. Deer have to push their heads into the stand
to get at the bait; we use corn. Rollers rub pesticides onto their
heads and necks, killing the ticks, but not harming the deer."
With many weapons in place against the tiny but tenacious tick, doctors
and researchers are confident that Lyme disease is largely curable with no
lasting symptoms for most people. Still, the best medical advice is: Stay
away from ticks-especially the ones that are no bigger than a period (.)
Here are some ways to steer clear
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