Episode 355: Tick Report - an interview with Professor Stephen Rich
In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we welcome Professor Stephen Rich, a well-respected scientist in the chronic Lyme disease community from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Join us as Professor Rich shares insights into his research on tick-borne diseases and practical applications, focusing on Lyme disease transmission, deer's role in the spread of Lyme, and various preventive measures.
Discussion Points
- His team's groundbreaking discovery last month that the blood of the white-tailed deer kills Lyme bacteria
- Professor Rich's background and the Laboratory of Medical Zoology at UMass Amherst
- Practical applications of Lyme research and training other scientists
- Understanding the tick feeding process and Lyme disease transmission
- The debate on Lyme disease transmission through other vectors (mosquitoes, bed bugs)
- Spatial protection tools for preventing tick bites
- Attachment times for Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses
- The mystery behind the Lone Star tick-borne illness Alpga-Gal Syndrome (AGS)
- The role of mice in Lyme disease transmission
- Strains of Borrelia burgdorferi and their impact on humans
- CDC's stance on tick testing and available testing options through Tick Report
- The importance of tick checks and using multiple senses
In this informative episode, Professor Stephen Rich offers valuable knowledge about the transmission and prevention of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. By understanding these complex processes, we can develop better preventive measures and treatment strategies. Stay tuned for future episodes featuring more insights from experts in the field.