Where are ticks sold for research? - briefly
Ticks for scientific studies are available from specialized biological supply firms—including Columbia Biological, BioVector, and Tick Research Labs—and from university‑affiliated insectaries that maintain tick colonies. Acquisition requires a valid research permit and adherence to applicable biosafety regulations.
Where are ticks sold for research? - in detail
Commercial vendors, university‑maintained colonies, and specialized biotech firms provide ticks for scientific studies.
Major suppliers include:
-
Biological supply companies such as Tick‑Research Ltd., Molecular Devices, and Bioscience Resources. They sell adult, nymph and larval stages of Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum and other medically relevant species. Orders are placed through online catalogs or direct sales representatives; shipments follow USDA‑APHIS or CITES regulations as required.
-
University‑run colonies at institutions like the University of Rhode Island, the University of Texas Medical Branch, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers request specimens via formal material‑transfer agreements (MTAs); the colonies maintain pathogen‑free lines and can provide custom rearing conditions.
-
Specialist arthropod distributors such as Ento‑Life and Tick‑Solutions, which focus on field‑collected and pathogen‑infected ticks. They offer bulk quantities for vaccine development, drug screening, and vector‑competence assays. Customers must submit institutional biosafety approvals and import permits.
Regulatory considerations:
- Obtain Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or equivalent approval before acquisition.
- Secure import permits from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for foreign‑origin specimens.
- Ensure compliance with the Nagoya Protocol when working with ticks carrying endemic pathogens.
Logistics:
- Shipping is typically performed on dry ice or insulated containers to maintain viability.
- Delivery times range from 2 days (domestic vendors) to 2 weeks (international sources) depending on customs clearance.
- Suppliers provide documentation for species identification, pathogen status, and health‑monitoring records.
Researchers seeking ticks should first verify institutional ethical clearance, then contact established commercial distributors or arrange a material‑transfer request with a recognized academic colony. This approach guarantees access to validated specimens while meeting legal and biosafety requirements.