The state says it has a new plan to control the tick population and combat tick-borne illnesses.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the state will be applying "eco-friendly" tick control treatments on public lands.

It will also expand the use of deer feeding stations that automatically apply tick treatment to deer as they eat.

A public awareness campaign that is aimed at hunters, fishermen and hikers will provide tips ways to avoid ticks.

And the Department of Health will seek out private researchers to collaborate on new medical tests to detect tick-borne illnesses.