Course Description

Unlock the secrets of ticks and gain valuable insights into their biology, the diseases they carry, and effective prevention and control methods in this engaging virtual workshop hosted by the Washington State Pest Management Association (WSPMA). Dr. Liz Dykstra, the Public Health Entomologist for the Washington State Department of Health’s Zoonotic Disease Program, brings her extensive expertise and experience to guide participants through a comprehensive exploration of these arthropod vectors.

Course Overview

1. General Tick Biology
   • Dive into the fascinating world of ticks, exploring their life cycle, anatomy, and ecological roles.
   • Understand the unique characteristics that make ticks effective vectors for diseases.
2. Tick-borne Diseases in Washington State
   • Gain insights into the specific tick-borne diseases prevalent in Washington State.
   • Explore the latest research and findings on the epidemiology and transmission of tick-borne illnesses.
3. Common Tick Species in Washington State
   • Identify and differentiate between the various tick species found in Washington.
   • Learn about their habitats, feeding behaviors, and the risks they pose to public health.
4. Tick Prevention and Control
   • Equip yourself with practical strategies for preventing tick bites and reducing exposure to tick-borne diseases.
   • Explore integrated pest management approaches for effective tick control in residential and natural settings.

Investment

CEU

Space

Speaker

Liz Dykstra

Dr. Liz Dykstra is the Public Health Entomologist for the Washington State Department of Health’s Zoonotic Disease Program. After earning her BA in Biology from Luther College, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal, West Africa. Following her Peace Corps service, Dykstra attended Texas A&M University, receiving her MS in Epidemiology and PhD in Entomology.  Upon completion of her doctorate, she was commissioned in the US Navy and served on active duty in Jacksonville, FL, Cairo, Egypt, and Bangor, WA. She continues to serve in the Navy Reserves.

Dykstra is Board Certified in Medical and Veterinary Entomology. As the Public Health Entomologist for the Washington State Dept. of Health, she oversees mosquito, tick, and any other disease vector surveillance efforts for the state. Her scientific interests include the ecology and epidemiology of arthropod disease vectors as well as native pollinator conservation. Dykstra is also an adjunct associate professor in the WSU Entomology Department. During her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and road-tripping around the Pacific northwest and as well as being an avid genealogist.

Education
PhD, Texas A&M University
MS, Texas A&M University

Affiliations
Washington Department of Health, Environmental Health Division