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American dog tick

arachnid
Also known as: Dermacentor variabilis

Quick Summary

The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is a common North American tick that infests dogs and humans. Ticks are arachnids, meaning they have eight legs as nymphs and adults, and six legs in their larval stage. They are obligate, blood-feeding parasites and are significant vectors of diseases to animals and humans.12

The American dog tick is an important carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. These diseases are transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected tick. Climate change has contributed to an increase in tick-borne diseases, as rising temperatures expand tick habitats and lengthen their activity seasons.13

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