When the Joplin City Council passed its urban hunting ordinance, it
claimed the move would help “reduce the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease” and
“minimize tick-borne illness” within city limits. But the science doesn’t
support that narrative and the fear being spread about Lyme disease is not just
misleading, it’s dangerous.
The Deer Tick Myth
Let’s be clear: deer do not carry Lyme disease. The blacklegged
tick (Ixodes scapularis), often called the “deer tick,” is simply one of many
hosts for the Lyme-causing bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi.
“Deer are a source of blood for ticks and important to tick survival and
movement to new areas. However, deer are not infected with Lyme disease
bacteria and do not infect ticks.”
Ticks become infected by feeding on small mammals, especially white-footed
mice, which are the true reservoirs of Lyme disease. Removing deer from the
landscape does not eliminate ticks and it does not stop Lyme
disease.
Every Animal Carries Ticks
Ticks are generalists. They feed on:
Mice, squirrels, raccoons, opossums
Coyotes, birds, and yes deer
Pets and humans
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services confirms that ticks
in Missouri carry a range of diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted
fever, ehrlichiosis, and Heartland virus but Lyme disease is rare
in this region. In fact, most confirmed Lyme cases in Missouri occur in northeastern
counties, not in Joplin or the surrounding area.
What the Joplin Ordinance Really Ignores
Poaching, not
overpopulation, is thinning the herd in Joplin.
No signage warns drivers of
deer crossings, despite collision risks.
No public education explains the real
tick-host cycle or how to prevent bites.
This Harvesting of Deer in Joplin ordinance isn’t about science it’s about optics. It’s a scare tactic dressed up as wildlife management, and it risks further destabilizing an already vulnerable ecosystem.
Verified Resources
Missouri DHSS: Tickborne Disease Overview
Joplin Urban Hunting Ordinance Summary
Missouri Counties Most Likely to Have Lyme Disease
Joplin City Council Ordinance Language
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