July 15, 2008

The Department of Natural Resources, Animal Health Division, is encouraging pet owners to examine their pets for ticks after a tick recently found on a dog on the Avalon Peninsula and another one found on a dog on the west coast of the Island tested positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.

People are warned that the ticks can also attach themselves to humans, although no cases have been diagnosed in this province.

"We have had two known cases of Lyme Disease in this province in the past � in 2004 and 2006 and both in dogs on the west coast," said Dr. Hugh Whitney, Chief Veterinary Officer. "We�re not aware of any signs of the disease in the dogs in these most recent cases, however pet owners should regularly examine their pets for ticks this time of year, particularly if the pets have been walking along wooded areas or near brush or long grass."

Anyone finding a tick on their pet should remove it carefully with tweezers and take it to their local veterinary clinic for identification. Lyme Disease is spread by deer ticks that arrive attached to migratory birds each spring. Approximately 11 per cent of ticks tested in this province carry the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.

The tick can attach itself to any warm-blooded host, however, only dogs and humans are known to get sick from the disease. No human cases of Lyme Disease have been reported in this province, although cases have been diagnosed elsewhere. Anyone who has been bitten by a tick carrying the bacteria is at risk.

"Human cases of Lyme Disease can result in serious health complications if not treated early," said Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief Medical Officer of Health. "Symptoms usually occur one to two weeks after being bitten by an infected tick and usually include an enlarging red area at the site of the bite with fever, headache, neck stiffness, malaise and body aches. The infection can be cured by antibiotics, however, if left untreated the infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the nervous system and vital organs."

The tick exists permanently in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia with no known permanent populations in this province. The symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs include lameness, loss of appetite, fever and loss of energy. Affected animals usually respond well to treatment.

"The best way to prevent Lyme Disease is immediate and careful tick removal," said Dr. Nicole O�Brien, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Veterinary Medical Association. "Not all ticks carry the bacteria that cause the disease and with immediate removal, the risk of the bacteria being transferred to your pet through a tick is decreased. You should consult your veterinary clinic if you find a tick to ensure proper follow-up by your veterinarian."

"The Animal Health Division is supporting surveillance for this tick and disease by soliciting submissions from individuals who find ticks, as well as through veterinary clinics if a tick is found on a pet," said Dr. Whitney. "We expect that one day permanent populations will become established in this province due to climate change and simply through the normal movement of migratory birds."

For more information on ticks and Lyme Disease - www.gov.nl.ca/agric/animal_diseases or contact Dr. Hugh Whitney at 709-729-6879 or Dr. Nicole O�Brien at nalvma@nalvma.ca

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