Colorado’s trail systems are renowned for their diversity and popularity, attracting millions of outdoor enthusiasts annually. These trails, however, are also critical habitats for ticks, which are vectors for various zoonotic diseases including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Colorado tick fever. Given the frequent interaction between humans, wildlife, and domestic animals on these trails, there is a heightened risk of tick-borne diseases (TBDs). To address this, we propose a passive tick and TBD surveillance initiative that encourages hikers to submit tick samples at trailheads in Northern Colorado. We invite all trail users to participate in this vital effort by participating in our surveys and submitting tick samples at designated collection points located at the trailheads. The success of this program depends heavily on the active participation of hikers, Colorado State University students and researchers, and recreational and wildlife agencies, which are crucial for the sustainability of this surveillance effort.

The project team includes assistant professors Dr. Saavedra-Rodriguez and Dr. Hemming-Schroeder, research scientist Dr. Emma Harris, instructor Dr. Scorza from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS), and Dr. Seth Davis from the Warner College of Natural Resources. Together, they aim to map tick populations, monitor pathogen prevalence, and collect data on the trails’ landscape, environmental factors, and visitor behaviors. This comprehensive strategy will provide essential insights into the dynamics of TBDs on Colorado’s trails, guiding future efforts in disease control and public awareness. Additionally, the initiative will strengthen community response to zoonotic diseases, exemplifying the One Health concept by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and public involvement.