What is active tick surveillance?

Active surveillance uses planned field or host sampling to collect ticks at specified places and times with a defined method.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Professionals and students

Short answer

Active surveillance uses planned field or host sampling to collect ticks at specified places and times with a defined method.

At a glance

Standardised effort allows stronger comparisons than opportunistic reports, although every sampling method has limitations.

Key takeaways

• Record effort as well as tick counts.

• Match the method to the target species and life stage.

• Use appropriate permits and biosafety procedures.

Designed rather than opportunistic sampling

Researchers may drag or flag vegetation, trap hosts, examine animals or use carbon-dioxide traps. Site selection, season, weather and collector technique affect results.

Repeatability builds value

A written protocol, geographic coordinates, collection time and habitat notes allow future teams to compare like with like. Absence in one sample is not proof that ticks are absent.