Student

Holly Black is a third-year veterinary student at the University of Illinois and a Master of Public Health student at the University of Minnesota. Holly began studying tick ecology and tick-borne diseases in 2019 during her undergraduate education at the University of South Dakota. As a veterinary student, Holly studies risk factors associated with tick and mosquito exposure in people and dogs in Illinois. In 2023, Holly completed a research fellowship with the Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Disease and earned a Certificate in Public Health Entomology.

Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases – Part 1 & 2

We will guide participants through a simulated tick check on artificial feline/canine patients, identification of “found” tick species using real tick specimens and discuss potential pathogen concerns and differentials based on the species and feeding duration. Through this hands-on lab, participants will review the most common locations for tick attachment, the frequently encountered tick species and their associated pathogens, and the latest in tick control strategies. We will provide handouts detailing tick species, their ecology, and associated pathogens that participants can use for future reference.