Sign in

Erika Machtinger

@machtingerlab.bsky.social
1.5K followers 1.1K following 53 posts

Assoc. Prof. @ Penn_state (but views are my own) || Vet Entomology || Parasites of #wildlife, #horses, #livestock || Disease Ecology || One Health

PostsRepliesMedia
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Upcoming webinars: • VectorED Academy: Responding to False Information (9/10, 12pm ET) extension.psu.edu/vectored-aca... • VectorED Academy: Persuasive Health Communication (9/30, 1pm ET) extension.psu.edu/vectored-aca...
extension.psu.edu
VectorED Academy: Responding to False Information
Explore how misinformation spreads, why it is persuasive, and practical strategies for recognizing, evaluating, and responding to false information with confidence.
000
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
This webinar is designed for: • Extension educators • Communication and outreach specialists • Public health professionals • Anyone who communicates about science, health, or vector-borne disease We hope you will join us for this timely and important conversation.
100
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Understanding False Information Our guest speaker, Dr. Yotam Ophir, is an Associate Professor of Communication at the University at Buffalo whose research focuses on media effects, persuasion, misinformation, conspiracy theories, and extremism.
100
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
With vector-borne diseases receiving increased national media attention, accurate & effective science communication is more important than ever. August 26 at 1:00 p.m. is the first webinar in our series addressing misinformation & disinformation: Register here: extension.psu.edu/vectored-aca...
110
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Also, check out all the upcoming webinars! If you have been interested in how to address mis- and disinformation, the next few months are for you!
000
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Register: extension.psu.edu/vector-bite-...
extension.psu.edu
Vector Bite Risk Reduction and Field Safety
Learn evidence-based strategies to prevent vector bites, practice safe outdoor work, and communicate protective measures effectively across diverse settings.
100
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
🦟 Join us on July 21 at 1 PM ET for our Vector Bite Risk Reduction and Field Safety webinar! Learn practical, evidence-based strategies to prevent vector bites, promote safe field practices, and communicate protective measures effectively across diverse audiences.
100
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
We only have until July 13 to comment #StandUpForScience ➡️ Comment how this will impact your research with this link provided by the Entomological Society of America entsoc.quorum.us/campaign/165... ➡️ Direct link Regulations.gov www.regulations.gov/document/OMB...
regulations.gov
Regulations.gov
001
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Meet Lion 🐴 — my yearling colt and unofficial research assistant. As a med/vet entomologist working on ticks, flies, and other pests affecting animals and people, I am very concerned about a proposed Office of Management and Budget rule that could be catastrophic for U.S. science.
231
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Less than a day left to register for this Webinar! 🦠 Biting Pests: The History of Lyme Disease 📅 Date: May 26, 2026 ⏰ Time: 12:00pm EDT 🔗 Register here: lnkd.in/eTu7zAHf
000
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Last few days to register! Don’t miss this upcoming webinar about vector-borne disease epidemiology! Hope to see you there. 🔗 Register here: extension.psu.edu/vector-borne...
extension.psu.edu
Vector-Borne Disease Epidemiology for Educators
Gain essential knowledge of U.S. vectors, disease transmission, and surveillance, and learn to translate findings into effective education and outreach.
010
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Direct Link: extension.psu.edu/biting-pests...
extension.psu.edu
Biting Pests: The History of Lyme Disease
Explore the history of Lyme disease, from its early discovery to key scientific breakthroughs. Learn how decades of research have shaped today’s understanding, prevention, and treatment.
000
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
👥 Who should attend? Public health professionals, educators, students, and anyone interested in the history and science of Lyme disease.
110
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
This webinar is free, but registration is required to receive the access link. A recording will also be available to registrants after the event.
100
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
This session will walk through: ✔️ How Lyme disease was first identified in Europe and North America ✔️ The discovery of the causative bacterium and its spread ✔️ Key milestones in diagnosis and treatment ✔️ How decades of research continue to shape prevention and public health today
100
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
We’re excited to feature two outstanding experts: • Robert P. Smith, MD, MPH Director, Vector-borne Disease Lab, MaineHealth Institute for Research • Kirby C. Stafford III, Ph.D. Chief Scientist & State Entomologist Emeritus, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
100
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
📅 Date: May 26, 2026 ⏰ Time: 12:00pm EDT 🔗 Register here: extension.psu.edu/biting-pests...
lnkd.in
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
100
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
🦠 Biting Pests: The History of Lyme Disease In recognition of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Penn State Extension and VectorED Network are hosting a webinar that takes a step back to explore how our understanding of Lyme disease has evolved—and why that history still matters today.
121
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Direct link: extension.psu.edu/vector-borne...
extension.psu.edu
Vector-Borne Disease Epidemiology for Educators
Gain essential knowledge of U.S. vectors, disease transmission, and surveillance, and learn to translate findings into effective education and outreach.
000
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
This webinar is ideal for Extension educators, public health professionals, and anyone involved in community education.
010
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Learn how to: ✔ Understand key vectors and disease transmission ✔ Interpret epidemiological data and surveillance trends ✔ Translate science into impactful education and outreach
110
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
📅 Date: March 30 ⏰ Time: 1pm EDT 🔗 Register: extension.psu.edu/vector-borne...
extension.psu.edu
Vector-Borne Disease Epidemiology for Educators
Gain essential knowledge of U.S. vectors, disease transmission, and surveillance, and learn to translate findings into effective education and outreach.
121
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
🦠 Vector-Borne Disease Epidemiology for Educators Join Penn State Extension and VectorED Network for a professional development webinar designed to strengthen your understanding of vector-borne diseases and how to communicate risk effectively.
231
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Every year, tick-borne diseases spread further, threatening families nationwide. With critical funding for research & prevention at risk, we need leaders to act NOW. Urge Congress to Reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act - our health depends on it! Demand action: bit.ly/4l1Ntsk
010
Reposted by Erika Machtinger
Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics at Penn State @ciddpsu.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Hear from @machtingerlab.bsky.social if you should be worried about ticks.
032
Reposted by Erika Machtinger
The Conversation U.S. @us.theconversation.com · 27/07/2025
Today’s special: Meat with a side of maggots. 🪰 New research suggests Neanderthals may have eaten fermented, maggot-rich meat, not just for survival, but as a routine (and nutritious) part of their diet. theconversation.com/neanderthals... #science #anthropology
theconversation.com
Neanderthals likely ate fermented meat with a side of maggots
New research highlights the prevalence of maggots as an easily obtained, nutrient-rich supplement of ancient hominin diets.
11175
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
Key takeaways from our discussion: ✅ Early detection saves lives ✅ Simple prevention strategies work ✅ Climate change is expanding tick habitats Learn more about protecting yourself and your family
010
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
I recently shared insights on the growing challenge of tick-borne diseases in our state with Penn State's Institute of Energy and the Environment. From Lyme disease to emerging threats, understanding prevention is key to keeping our communities safe. iee.psu.edu/news/blog/un...
iee.psu.edu
Understanding and preventing tick-borne disease in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the U.S. for reported cases of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. To better understand the risks and how to stay safe, we spoke with Erika Machtinger...
161
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
📢Workshop Announcement📢 We have exciting news! The VectorED Network and PSU Extension are hosting a hands-on ectoparasite workshop at the ESA August meeting in Baltimore, MD on August 10th. 🦟🔬 Learn more and register now! entsoc.org/events/ecopa...
020
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
So excited to see one of my articles out in the wild (@ Abington Equine Hospital)! Lots of good information on fly management in this issue.
130
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Read the paper 👉 doi.org/10.1111/jzo.... This work was from the graduate studies of Dr. Jessica Brown (now at the CT Ag Experiment Station).
doi.org
Permission to bite: White‐footed mice show no increased grooming response to tick infestation
White-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) are one of the most frequently studied hosts of blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis); however, interactions between white-footed mice and ticks are not easily....
000
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Want to understand Lyme disease and host-parasite interactions better? We learned more about how white-footed mice (key Lyme disease reservoirs) respond to ticks. The results might surprise you! #PublicHealth #TickBorne #Research Listen to the podcast 👉: spti.fi/mORwnw1
spti.fi
Permission to Bite: Exploring White-Footed Mice and Their Surprising Tick Responses
Attachment Issues: New Frontiers in Ectoparasites Research · Episode
110
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
A searchable database with over 1,200 educational materials from Land Grant Extension services focused on science-based education on vectors and vector-borne diseases. Read more about it here ⬇️ www.psu.edu/news/agricul... And visit the website yourself and look around! ⬇️ www.vector-education.org
psu.edu
VECTOR Library launches to strengthen response to vector-borne disease threats | Penn State University
As the United States observes Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May, public health and extension professionals across the country have a powerful new tool at their fingertips: the VECTOR Library, a cent...
021
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Want more information on how to prevent tick bites? Want to watch a video? Or read a fact sheet? Want horse-specific information? Or something about dogs? You can find it all in the new Vector Education, Communication, and Training Online Resource (VECTOR) Library!
122
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
The 2025 field season is off to a great start! Our VectorED TEC interns are learning deer handling, out in the field mouse trapping, and conducting tick surveillance. They are also learning some vet skills, including skin biopsies and sutures and blood draws. A lot to get through in just two weeks!
000
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
Wrapped up year 3 collaborating with BFREE in Belize looking at tick diversity. Another amazing trip and 🤞 for upcoming proposals so we can continue! www.bfreebz.org
090
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
Tapir!
020
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Another amazing day in Belize. Anyone want to guess the animal these ticks are on?
250
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Another amazing trip to Belize. Can anyone guess what animal these ticks are on?
000
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
First morning back in the jungle @ Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education - Full day of tick dragging and grant planning ahead!
030
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
Background: Tick tubes are small cardboard tubes filled with permethrin-treated cotton or other nesting material designed to target ticks at their primary hosts—rodents, particularly white-footed mice.
000
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
If you were to place tick tubes around your home, or in public lands that you manage, would you be more likely to stake these down or not? We are trying to answer this very simple question to develop a protocol for evaluation of these tubes at tick control, so I'd LOVE your responses!
100
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
Response requested!! I'm asking those of you that have homes, farms, or manage property (public or private) to answer one question regarding Tick Control Tubes! pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
124
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
Missed this one, but interested in taking this workshop? Keep checking back to see where our next one will be held! www.vectorednetwork.org/workshops
vectorednetwork.org
000
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
From Bites to Insights workshop has started! Gearing up for a full day for vector and ectoparasite education and training. A VectorED Network and Penn State Extension collaboration with the MUVE section and Eastern Branch of Entomological Society of America
140
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Tick Summit 14 in the books! Great job Gabby & Mia putting together your posters! Thanks to the organizers at the MD Department of Health and others for yet another awesome event and networking opportunity.
020
Reposted by Erika Machtinger
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Come work with me! Public Health Entomologist (assistant/associate level) ento.psu.edu/news/open-po...
ento.psu.edu
Open Position: Assistant/Associate Professor of Public Health Entomology
01821
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Come work with me! Public Health Entomologist (assistant/associate level) ento.psu.edu/news/open-po...
ento.psu.edu
Open Position: Assistant/Associate Professor of Public Health Entomology
01821
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Interested but not going to the meeting? Shoot me an email and I can give you a registration code for just the workshop! extension.psu.edu/erika-machti...
extension.psu.edu
Erika Machtinger
Assistant Professor of EntomologyExtension Educator for the Poultry and Equine TeamsExtension Educator for the Vector-borne Disease Team
011
Erika Machtinger @machtingerlab.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
📢Workshop Announcement📢 The VectorED Network and PSU Extension are hosting a hands-on ectoparasite workshop at the ESA Eastern Branch Meeting in Harrisburg, PA on March 15th. www.entsoc.org/membership/b...
186