Nebraska Tick Testing (NeTT)
Our mission is to advance the scientific understanding of tick-borne diseases and empower the general public with timely information about potential pathogen exposure.
Who we are
The Nebraska Tick Testing (NeTT) laboratory is a dedicated team of scientists, led by Dr. Shaun Cross, that specialize in tick-borne pathogen detection and surveillance. Our team uses a variety of cutting-edge approaches to research and understand the impacts of ticks and tick-borne diseases for the public health. Tick-borne diseases are an unrelenting threat to human health responsible for over 450,000 estimated cases of disease each year. We dedicate our time and careers to reduce this burden on the public.
We are intricately connected with Nebraska One Health and the Nebraska Tick Network. One Health brings together the diverse backgrounds of various professionals to improve the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Nebraska One Health houses Tick Tag Go who are our close partners for additional educational and outreach programs for ticks and tick-borne diseases.
What we do
Our facility will identify ticks and screen them for a variety of pathogens using rigorous testing methods. Our testing process involves tick identification, nucleic acid extraction (DNA and RNA), screening of pathogens with specialized tests, and the generation of detailed, yet easy to understand reports. The NeTT laboratory houses cutting-edge equipment and technology and oversees a number of highly trained technicians. We treat every tick and test performed with the utmost care to provide the public with the highest quality data possible.
Why test your tick
We want to empower the general public to make educated decisions. Public tick testing provides individuals with crucial information about potential pathogen exposure. By identifying pathogens present in submitted ticks, individuals can assess their personal risk and make informed healthcare decisions.
Tick surveillance and testing informs public health decisions and interventions. Tick testing data guides public health authorities in intervention strategies. By integrating tick testing results into broader surveillance, public health officials can enhance preparedness and response efforts to protect the public against tick-borne diseases.
Participation strengthens scientific knowledge in tick-borne diseases. Ticks and the pathogens they carry are expanding across the United States. Collection of ticks across wide geographical areas enhances researchers’ knowledge about ticks and tick-borne diseases. This helps predict the future burden of and preventative practices for tick-borne diseases.
