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tick fever
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• Risk of Lyme disease
• Black-legged tick, the vector of Lyme disease, was not found during the 2011 tick survey in South Dakota. However, a black-legged tick was collected from Roberts County in the fall of 2012.
• "This was not the first time that black-legged tick was recorded in South Dakota. In 1969 and 1991 Burrus McDaniel, then an entomologist with SDSU, reported black-legged tick collection in the state," he said. 
• Black-legged tick or Ixodes scapularis, is generally smaller than the American dog tick. The adult male black-legged tick is about 0.04 inch in length while the female tick is about 0.08 inches long. The female body is reddish with a brown dorsal shield while the male's dorsal shield is dark brown and extends across its body length. 
• Hadi says it is important to confirm the presence of black-legged ticks in the state. To determine whether this species is becoming established in South Dakota, Hadi encourages anyone finding ticks matching the description above are encouraged to send him the specimen for identification at the following address; Buyung Hadi, Pesticide Education and Urban Entomology Coordinator, SAG 224 Box 2207A, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, Phone: (605) 688 6784; Cell: (605) 690 4289.
• Tick samples should be sent in a small bottle sealed with tape. Please DO NOT crush the sample or put the tick on tape. Include your name, date and phone number with the bottle. If sending the sample via post, pack the vial in padded envelope or cardboard container. Ticks will be identified, but not tested for Lyme disease.
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• Tick Bite Prevention
• Hadi encourages South Dakotans to take preventative measures when spending extended time outdoors.
•  "When entering locations with known tick presence or with tall grasses, wear light colored clothing, long pants, socks and shoes. Tuck the pant legs into the socks to decrease potential skin exposure to ticks," he said. "Make it a habit to examine one's body for ticks after spending time in locations with known or potential tick presence. The light colored clothing makes ticks easy to spot before they can bite."
•  He adds that early removal of an attached tick is critical to avoid contracting tick-borne diseases. Using a pair of tweezers, grasp the tick on the mouthparts close to

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