Enhance regional training and education of ticks and tick‐borne diseases affecting beef cattle using theileria orientalis ikeda and its vector the asian longhorned tick (haemaphysalis longicornis)…

Enhance regional training and education of ticks and tick‐borne diseases affecting beef cattle using theileria orientalis ikeda and its vector the asian longhorned tick (haemaphysalis longicornis) as the model system. For two years, the project team will develop, deliver, train, and evaluate training material for stakeholders who work with animal agriculture. Multiple in‐person training sessions will be given to diverse but targeted audiences which includes training individuals (1) to conduct surveillance in a tickinfested / outbreak response situation, (2) to collect and submit samples for diagnostic testing and how to submit information to state personnel using USDA's emergency management system, (3) to identify ticks and screen ticks/blood for pathogens, (4) to use mapping tools and services, and (5) to develop and deliver clear messaging for different stakeholders and evaluate those messages. Deliverables include the development and delivery of regionally needed information and training about ticks and tick‐borne pathogens, including theileria orientalis ikeda and asian longhorned ticks. Materials will be evaluated using knowledge, attitudes, and perception surveys along with evaluation of training usefulness with pre and post knowledge surveys. These materials will be provided to participants and made available for both in person and online/virtual training and learning sessions. We expect participants will indicate an increase in knowledge and understanding of the importance of ticks and tick‐borne diseases affecting beef cattle. Additionally, during and after training sessions stakeholders will engage in surveillance programs and interact with the online dashboards. Alerts from the online dashboard to subscribing stakeholders will also deliver information on county information and/or management options to county extension agents. We will specifically train extension agents, veterinarians, federal/state agricultural officials, and producers. The project will in form stakeholders about the spread of vector and other vector‐borne disease complexes as well as provide up‐to‐date information for management and control. Stakeholders within and around tennessee can use this information to make informed decisions regarding purchasing/selling animals and on‐farm management to reduce accidental tick/pathogen introductions. This information is vital for the state and region for resource planning for animal disease outbreak response and management activities.