Tick Collection Guide for Small and Large Mammal Biologists

If you would like a PDF or printed copy of the Tick Collection Guide for Small and Large Mammal Biologists (including submission forms) please call (907) 375-8215.

Ticks in Alaska can be found on small and large mammals, and birds. Small and large animal movement creates opportunities for tick and tick-borne pathogen dispersal. Moreover, wildlife can be reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens that cause disease in humans and animals. In Alaska, the arrival of the winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) is a major concern. This tick multiplies rapidly on moose hosts, leading to substantial infestations that cause anemia and hair loss. The moose tick has been found in the Yukon on elk, moose, mule deer, and other wildlife. The migration of mule deer into the Interior of Alaska from Canada may bring moose tick into the state.

The Office of the State Veterinarian, Alaska Department of Fish & Game, and researchers at the University of Alaska are working together to understand the role of ticks in Alaska. The Alaska Submit-A-Tick Program collects tick submissions from the public, veterinarians, and wildlife biologists for species identification. Tick submissions are included in a long-term database of ticks found in the state.

We recognize that tick collection is an additional task during a busy field season and appreciate your contribution to this surveillance effort. This guide was developed to assist with the collection and submission process of ticks found on mammals.

Screening small and large mammals for ticks

When searching for ticks on mammals, take extra care to look near the ear canals, nape, mandibular area, perimeter of the eyes, and feet of each animal. Ticks may be attached (i.e. feeding) or unattached. Attached ticks will likely be engorged and more visible than unattached ticks. Ticks go through three life stages (larva, nymph, and adult), and they look slightly different at each stage. Ticks are very small. Adult ticks are about the size of an apple seed, nymphs are about the size of a poppy seed, and larva are the size of a grain of sand. If you aren’t sure if what you found is a tick, feel free to send it in, and we will identify it for you.

Tick removal and collection

Comb through the mammal’s fur with your fingers to find ticks. Part fur so you can see the skin surface.
Using fine pointed tweezers, pluck off each tick. Gently grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible, and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick because this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
Place dislodged ticks into a vial. Other clean, hard-sided containers can be used. Ziploc bags will work in a pinch, but it is easier for ticks to be crushed during transport. Note that multiple ticks can be placed in the same vial (or container) if they are from the same animal. Please put ticks from different animals into different containers. If you are submitting multiple vials, be sure to number each vial and include the number on the submission form. Do not add any liquid or preservatives.
If you are submitting ticks from a single animal, or multiple animals of the same species collected at the same location, you can fill out the online Alaska Submit-A-Tick form. If you anticipate a more complex submission (multiple animals, different species of animals, different locations, etc.) please contact us at (907) 375-8215 to request the appropriate submission form.
Send ticks and completed forms to the Office of the State Veterinarian: 5251 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99507.

Thank you for your participation! Contact us at alaskaticks@alaska.edu to request sample vials, shipping materials, or if you have any questions.