Anecdotal reports of intense local tick infestations are not exaggerated. Local veterinary clinics confirm they are seeing evidence of prolific tick activity as they find many clients have become unwitting hosts to this pest.
By now most pet owners and nature lovers understand that ticks can bring serious con-sequences. They can transmit agents that cause disease like Lyme disease, and their range is expanding across Canada as the climate changes. Information about the current risk in your area is available at www.tick-maps.ca. Tick control medication can be initiated before the start of tick activity to optimize protection for pets. There is no prevention medication available for human consumption.
The tickmaps website indicates that Blacklegged ticks can be active any time the temperature rises about 4 degree Celsius, which is becoming more common even during the winter months. Ticks survive under snow, leaf litter or brush, so they can be hiding in your own backyard. Their population seems to be growing along popular walking routes along the Millbrook Valley Trails and Jail Hill, where they latch on to human and animal hikers.
Millbrook Valley Animal Hospital reports that they have seen a large increase in pets coming through their doors with engorged ticks, and with that comes a growing concern about Lyme disease in our area. They strongly encourage all pet owners to ensure their pets are on tick prevention medication to help protect them from tick-borne illnesses. Preventing ticks is far easier—and safer—than treating Lyme disease.
Millbrook Valley Animal Hospital staff recommend reviewing great resource is the Worms & Germs Blog, (https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/) published by Dr. Scott Weese from the Ontario Veterinary College’s Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses.
Let’s work together to keep our pets—and our community—safe and healthy this season.