Assessing human exposure to ticks, rodents and their pathogens in Central and Eastern Washington State.
We are conducting a research project on the risk of diseases transmitted by or associated with small rodents among residents in eastern Washington. The study is led by Dr. Pilar Fernandez, from Washington State University.
As a person living in a rural area and with increased risk due to your occupation or recreational activities, we would like to invite you to complete a brief questionnaire (less than 10 min) about your current exposure to mice and tick vectors associated with mice, the mitigation measures and activities that might increase your exposure risk.
Any adult over 18 years of age that lives in agricultural areas in Eastern and Central Washington.
We are primarily seeking participants who work in the agricultural sector, but the survey is open to anyone who may be exposed to ticks or rodents in rural areas.
If you spend time in these environments — whether for work or other activities — we invite you to take part in the survey.
We believe there are no risks associated with this research study; however, there is a minimal risk that your information could become known to someone not involved in this study. To the best of our ability your answers in this study will remain confidential. We will minimize any risks by keeping the survey responses on secure WSU servers. No personal information will be recorded and the only demographic data we will record encompass age, gender and race/ethnicity.
Potential stressors (fear or anxiety) may appear as a result of participating in this study as you become more aware of the risk of diseases transmitted by or associated with rodents. Information regarding preventative measures will be available to you at the end of the survey, to help you take control when feeling unsure in a particular situation. We will also be available to answer any questions you might have. This survey is voluntary. That is, if there is a question that you do not want to respond to, you do not have to.
There are no costs associated with the survey to you and you will receive a $15 gift card to thank you for your participation.
This study has been reviewed and approved for human subject participation by WSU IRB. If you have questions or concerns about this study, please contact Dr. Maria del Pilar Fernandez at (509) 335-4058 or pilar.fernandez@wsu.edu. If you have any questions about your rights as a research subject contact the WSU IRB at irb@wsu.edu.
Thank you for your assistance with this research project.