July 19, 2021 Katko Announces Renewed Effort Utilizing Innovative Technology, Push for Federal Funding SYRACUSE, NY— Standing with experts from SUNY Upstate Medical University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), Rep. Katko today announced he will reintroduce the Tick Identification Pilot Program Act this week. This bipartisan bill would establish a pilot program under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allowing states to apply for grants to establish tick identification programs. Through these programs, individuals would be able to send pictures of a tick they encounter to a vector-borne biologist who would identify the tick and respond with an estimate of the risk that the tick is carrying a disease, as well as a recommendation for appropriate follow-up action, such as seeking medical treatment. Additionally, Rep. Katko announced a push for increased funding for the CDC to support research and data collection on tick-borne illnesses. Together, these efforts aim to educate the general public on tick-bite prevention methods, collect data on ticks as the population grows, and improve public health outcomes.