The Facts About Ticks and Lyme Disease

September 6, 2017

 

If ever you were afraid to go into the woods, now would be the time. With the news crawling with reports of tick infestations and Lyme Disease, it’s a wonder we venture anywhere near these deer habitats.

 

So let’s take a look at some of the facts and find out more about ticks and Lyme Disease.

 

Facts About Ticks

 

  • Not all ticks carry the borrelia bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.
  • You only have to worry about the blacklegged tick.
  • Only female ticks and nymphs (or young ticks) feed on blood.
  • Therefore, only female ticks and nymphs can carry Lyme Disease.
  • Ticks responsible for Lyme Disease are known as deer ticks or bear ticks.
  • Other types of ticks that don’t carry the disease are the brown dog tick, American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and the lone star tick.
  • Male ticks do not feed on blood and therefore, do not transmit Lyme Disease, but will still bite.

 

 

Stats About Lyme Disease

 

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, in 2015, some 700 people sought medical care for Lyme Disease and tick bites.

 

In 2009, 128 people were reportedly infected. That’s quite a jump in cases of Lyme Disease.

 

In 2013, Ottawa Public Health reported 47 human cases of Lyme Disease.

 

Rouge Valley in Ontario is becoming a hotspot for ticks to thrive. In 2016, Toronto Public Health reported 23 cases of Lyme Disease. 

 

This year so far in Toronto, 24 people have sought medical attention for tick bites and Lyme Disease.

 

 

Geographic Lyme Disease

 

  • In the UK, Public Health England claim that 10% of ticks carry the borrelia bacteria.
  • In the UK, 3,000 people get Lyme Disease a year.
  • In the US, 300,000 people get Lyme Disease per year.

 

Rising temperatures and damp conditions caused by global warming has attributed to an increase in tick infested areas. Many infested ticks arrive on the backs of migrating birds. If the current climate continues, you will see more and more people contracting Lyme Disease.

 

Canine Lyme Disease

 

Vets have been keeping records on tick bites for decades longer than the medical profession, and are better equipped to deal with an infestation. 

 

If you look at the stats for any area of southeastern Ontario, you’ll see an average of four to five reported cases of Lyme Disease per year. 

 

While dogs who run through long grass and venture into bushy undergrowth have a greater chance of encountering ticks, humans fare worse when it comes to contracting Lyme Disease.

 

How Can You Protect Your Dog From Lyme Disease?

 

It takes an average of 36 hours of feeding for the tick to transmit the disease. So if you’re going to be walking with your dog in a grassy area that is a known habitat for ticks, make sure you do a thorough check of your dog and yourself after your hike. Here’s a checklist:

 

  • Vaccinate your dog against ticks.
  • Equip yourself with a tick removal kit and carry it with you.
  • Try to stick to woodland paths and park walkways.
  • Avoiding tall grass and bushes.
  • Wear long pants and long sleeves, preferably light clothing.
  • Take a flea comb to your dog after your walk and check for ticks.
  • Check yourself for ticks and bites displaying the typical red bull’s eye.
  • Use an insect repellent designed for ticks on yourself.
  • Use lemon or lavender essential oil on your dog before your walk.  

 

If you follow these tips, you and your dog can still enjoy the great outdoors. 

 

The good news is, according to some experts, if you’re careful and check for ticks, your chances of contracting Lyme Disease is only 1.2 to 1.4 per cent. 

 

By Natalie Secretan
PuppyDogCapers.com

 

Photo credit: Maja Dumat ~ Lachend in den Juni