We report a novel host-targeted approach using doxycycline hyclate-impregnated bait.14-16 After promising laboratory studies, we conducted a field trial in a Lyme disease-endemic area in central New Jersey to assess the ability of these baits to prophylactically protect small-mammal reservoirs, cure infected reservoirs, and reduce infection of immature I. scapularis ticks by both the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi , and the agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum .
MATERIALS AND METHODSStudy areas. The study was conducted in an area of mixed hardwood forest located in Millstone Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, where I. scapularis and its small-mammal hosts are well-established. 12,17,18 The 10-to 15-m canopy was dominated by chestnut oak ( Quercus prinus L.), red oak ( Q. rubra L.), and white oak ( Q. alba L.), with associated species including red maple ( Acer rubrum L.), yellow poplar ( Liriodendron tulipifera L.), black gum ( Nyssa sylvatica Marsh.), and American beech ( Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.). The understory and shrub layer consisted of saplings and seedlings of canopy species, highbush blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbosum L.), lowbush blueberry ( V. angustifolium Ait.), huckleberries ( Gaylussacia spp.), sweet pepperbush ( Clethra alnifolia L.), and greenbriar ( Smilax glauca Walt.). The treatment site and one of the control sites were ~2.5-ha singlefamily residential properties located ~200 m apart. A second undeveloped control site (~3 ha) was located ~1,000 m south in nearby Assunpink Wildlife Management Area (WMA).Deployment and maintenance of bait stations. Beginning in May of 2007 and 2008, 50 Protecta LP bait stations (Bell Laboratories, Inc., Madison, WI) were fitted with ~135 g extruded, wax-based bait blocks containing 500 mg/kg doxycycline (Genesis Laboratories, Inc., Wellington, CO) and deployed at the treatment site. Bait stations were placed in forested habitat at ~20-m intervals along two concentric perimeters at distances of ~5 and 25 m from the lawn-forest interface. Whenever possible, bait stations were deployed adjacent to natural structures, including fallen trees, stumps, brush piles, woodpiles, and outbuildings, which are considered to be likely foraging or nesting sites for small mammals. Bait stations were inspected weekly to assess overall condition and bait consumption, and they were rebaited as necessary. Consumption of bait was recorded using a five-point Activity Index (1 = no bait consumption, 2 = 25% bait consumed, 3 = 50% bait consumed, 4 = 75% bait consumed, and 5 = 100% bait consumed) ( Figure 1 ). In addition, any bait station that was significantly damaged by eastern gray squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis ) was replaced. All bait stations were withdrawn in September of both years after 19 consecutive weeks of deployment.Small-mammal trapping and tick burdens. Small mammals were collected using 7.6 × 8.9 × 30. Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Terry L. Schulze, PhD, Inc., Perrineville, New Jersey; Freehold Area...
