Detection of and Powassan Virus Lineage II (Deer Tick Virus) from Harvested in Oklahoma.

(white-tailed deer) is the primary host of adult (deer tick). Most of the research into has been geographically restricted to the northeastern United States, with limited interest in Oklahoma until recently as the populations spread due to climate change. Ticks serve as a vector for pathogenic bacteria, protozoans, and viruses that pose a significant human health risk. To date, there has been limited research to determine what potential tick-borne pathogens are present in in central Oklahoma. Using a one-step multiplex real-time reverse transcription-PCR, collected from white-tailed deer was screened for , , , , and deer tick virus (DTV). Ticks ( = 394) were pooled by gender and life stage into 117 samples. Three pooled samples were positive for and five pooled samples were positive for DTV. This represents a minimum infection rate of 0.8% and 1.2%, respectively. , , and were not detected in any samples. This is the first report of and DTV detection in Oklahoma ticks. This demonstrates that pathogens are present in Oklahoma and that further surveillance of is warranted.