Tickpedia
Removal · field guidance

Doxycycline criteria #1: blacklegged tick identification

Prophylactic doxycycline is only indicated when the biting tick is a blacklegged (Ixodes) species, since other ticks do not transmit Lyme.

Steps

schema.org/HowTo
  1. 01
    Save the removed tick in a sealed bag or piece of clear tape on an index card.
  2. 02
    Compare to CDC tick ID images: blacklegged ticks have a uniformly dark dorsal shield, no white markings.
  3. 03
    Distinguish from American dog ticks (mottled white pattern) and lone star ticks (single white dot on female).
  4. 04
    If unsure, photograph the tick dorsally and ventrally with scale and ask the clinician or a public health lab.
  5. 05
    Only Ixodes scapularis (East/Midwest) and Ixodes pacificus (West Coast) meet the Lyme prophylaxis criterion.

Wild facts

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