Breakthrough in Tick control on the horizon?

Judging by recent articles in America, a warm welcome is being given to Tick-Ex (or the F52 strain of the Metarhizium anisopliae fungus, if you want to be technical).  Tick-Ex uses no synthetic chemicals, relying instead on a strain of fungus that occurs naturally in soil.  Trials have reduced the numbers of ticks by 74%.  If field trials are successful this year, the product could be available (in the US?) in 2014.

If this research provides a lead to a treatment that will reduce ticks by this amount, it will give the Tick Bite Prevention Week (26 March - 1 April) a good boost.

See the articles that have covered this development:

Newstimes.com: 

Fungus kills Lyme disease-carrying ticks
The Maine Public Broadcasting Network:

Tick-Attacking Fungus Shows Promise in Battle Against Lyme Disease

AnnArbor.com

Scientists discover new, safe way to control tick populations

Does anyone know anymore about the development or application of Tick-Ex?  If so, please use the comment facility below, to share your knowledge.