Video: Don’t Let Ticks Torment as Temps Rise — Experts Share Advice, Latest Research

Media note: Video of these experts answering FAQs is available on YouTube. Additional interview footage and b-roll of ticks can be downloaded here.

With at least 27 species of ticks in the eastern U.S., ticks and tick-borne diseases have become a serious public health issue. Cornell University experts are warning that in 2019 the Asian longhorned tick will track further into the U.S., humans may be struck with tick-borne infections within 15 minutes of contact, and pets will be exposed to ticks simply by running on a freshly mowed lawn.

The following experts are available for interviews on tick-borne diseases, prevention tips for humans and animals, advice on pest management, and invading tick species.

Laura Harrington
https://entomology.cals.cornell.edu/people/laura-harrington/
Harrington is a professor of entomology, vector biologist, and the Director of the CDC Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases (NEVBD). Her research focuses on behavior and ecology of mosquitoes and ticks as well as vector borne diseases. The NEVBD conducts research targeting new strategies for vector-borne disease monitoring, prediction, and control. 

Laura Goodman
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/research/faculty/laura-goodman-phd
Goodman is an assistant research professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine’s New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center. She studies pathogen discovery and surveillance, with focus areas on tick-borne disease and antimicrobial resistance.

Manigandan Lejeune Virapin
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/research/faculty/manigandan-lejeune-virapin-phd-dipacvm
Virapin is a senior extension associate and director of clinical parasitology at the College of Veterinary Medicine’s New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center. His focus is on analyzing veterinary parasites and pathogens as well as studying host-parasite interactions.

Matt Frye
https://nysipm.cornell.edu/people/matt-frye/
Frye is an urban entomologist and a community educator for New York State Integrated Pest Management Program. He conducts research on pests and provides education to help people prevent issues with pests, including ticks. Frye leads an educational campaign which works to teach the public on how to avoid ticks and tick-borne disease.

Cornell University has dedicated television and audio studios available for media interviews supporting full HD, ISDN and web-based platforms.

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