Lyme Disease and Ticks

TICKS ARE PARASITES

• Ticks are tiny parasites that feed on blood.
• They are arachnids, relatives of spiders, mites, and scorpions.
• Ticks crawl – they don’t jump, fly, or drop from trees.

TICKS COME IN ALL SIZES

• They can be difficult to see.
• They can be anywhere from 1-5 mm long and then up to 20 mm when fully fed.
• In their immature stages, ticks can be barely visible, while adult ticks can be considerably larger.

LYME DISEASE IS A TICK-BORNE ILLNESS

• This inflammatory condition is a tick-borne bacterial disease which affects both humans and animals. It is the main tick-borne disease of concern in Canada.
• Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria, is transmitted by the Ixodes species (deer tick) of ticks which acquire the bacteria when they feed on infected animals.
• The tick then transmits this bacteria to other animals or people when they attach and feed again.

WHERE CAN THEY BE FOUND

• Ticks can be found in many areas across Canada but they prefer to live in wooded areas, in tall grass, and under leaf litter. They can also be found in urban areas, like city parks and green spaces.
• Ixodes species (deer tick) prefer moist environments like leaf litter.

WHEN ARE TICKS ACTIVE

• Ticks can be active any time temperatures are 4 degrees Celsius and above, including mild days during the winter months.
• Ticks can survive the winter hiding under snow, leaf litter, and brush.

PREVENTION

• Please consult with your veterinarian about tick prevention productions and the Lyme Vaccine.