SUNY Oswego's Rice Creek Associates (RCA) will host microbiologist Dr. Stephen M. Rich discussing "Ticks and Disease on a Changing Landscape" at 2 p.m. Saturday, April, 23, at Rice Creek Field Station.
Ticks and the diseases they carry have long been recognized as health concerns, especially in the warmer months when ticks (and humans) are more active. Although many people are aware of these concerns and tick prevention techniques, new diseases, changing environment and ongoing research means there is always something new to learn.
Rich is a professor of microbiology at University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is also the director of the Laboratory of Medical Zoology (LMZ), an academic research lab at the University of Massachusetts. In addition to sharing evidence through research, Rich will discuss a recent publication in Nature from LMZ that provides insight to the evolutionary and ecological origin of the primary Lyme disease vectors in North America.
People that live in or visit wooded areas and/or have outdoor pets are encouraged to attend, as are students and members of the public interested in public health, environmental issues or outdoor recreation.
This is a free event, open to the public, with light refreshments offered. SUNY Oswego students in need of a ride from campus can email rca@oswego.edu by April 22 to request van transport. Spots are limited, so reservation is required.
Rice Creek Associates is a support group formed in 1986 for the purpose of furthering the goals of the field station. It is the intent of RCA to expand the scientific, educational and recreational opportunities through community involvement.
For more information, call the field station at 315-312-6677 or email rcfs@oswego.edu.