Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Fund

The purpose of this fund is to support research on lyme and tick-borne diseases, including free tick testing at the Thangamani Lab. Consider making a donation using the online form below.

 

Tracking the Emergence of Tick-borne Diseases in New York 

Free Tick Testing Program 

Lyme and other tick-borne diseases are a significant public health concern in New York, as evidenced by the steady rise in the number of human cases. To better understand the impact of climate, environmental and human factors influencing the emergence/spread of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases in New York, the Thangamani Lab has engaged with the public to conduct a state-wide bio-surveillance program. Under the program, the lab offers free tick testing for 11 different tick-borne disease agents, including the Lyme disease agent. 

Interactive Mapping Tool

The Thangamani Lab has created an interactive mapping tool to visualize tick surveillance results. This mapping tool is a conduit to disseminate information to the community, clinicians and researchers. 

Community: Resource to the community to assess risks and to track tick and tick-borne disease emergence in their neighborhood. 

Clinicians & Clinical Care: Resource to the clinicians for developing a differential diagnosis and clinical care. 

Research: Resource to the researchers to: 

  1. Understand factors influencing the emergence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in New York 
  2. Predict hot spots for tick-borne disease risks 

Bench-to-Bedside Research 

One of the primary objectives of the Thangamani Lab is to unravel biological mechanisms by which ticks transmit diseases. By gaining better knowledge on how ticks transmit diseases, the Thangamani Lab aims to develop novel counter measures to control Lyme, Powassan encephalitis and other tick-borne diseases. Toward this, the Thangamani Lab is engaged in the following bench-to-bedside translational research projects: 

  1. Development of anti-tick vaccine 
  2. Development of transmission blocking vaccines for tick-borne disease agents 
  3. Development of novel early warning system for tick bites 

More Information

  1. Learn more about Thangamani Lab: click here
  2. Send ticks for free testing to Thangamani Lab: click here
  3. New York State tick surveillance results: click here

Donate

Online: Click here to donate online now. 

Mail: Send a check or money order payable to the Upstate Foundation. Add “tick research” to the memo line.

The Upstate Foundation, Inc.
750 E. Adams St.  CAB326
Syracuse, NY 13210

Phone: Call 315-464-4416.