Of the many different tick species found throughout the world, only a select few transmit disease to humans when they bite. Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Deer ticks. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings such as a rash and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful to identify the species of tick and, if the correct species of tick, to determine if it is infected with organism that causes Lyme disease.

Tick Collection and Submittal

It is important that your tick is correctly collected and submitted in order to get accurate results. Please review the Tick Specimen Collection and Submittal Procedure Guide to learn more about submitting your tick. 

Once you’ve collected your sample, bring a completed copy of the Tick Submittal Report and submit your sample to:

Public Health Laboratory - Chico
695 Oleander

Butte County Public Health Clinics, in both Oroville and Chico, may serve as secondary submission sites.