REGINA – Tick season has arrived in Saskatchewan, and while the risk of contracting Lyme disease in our province through a bite is low, it is possible.
Not to mention, the pest can be a nuisance for both you and your pets.
The American dog tick is the most common type of tick in Saskatchewan, and more often than not is found in tall grass and wooded areas.
Entomologist, Phil Curry, said the blood sucking parasite doesn’t usually carry Lyme disease but is becoming increasingly common in areas not seen before in the province.
“We’re not exactly sure why but we do know the range is expanding fairly rapidly in the last 10 to 15 years,” he added.
Deer ticks, that can carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, are less widespread in the province.
Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, said deer ticks can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, but the risk of exposure through a bite is low in the province.
There have been three reported cases in the last 10 years, but two of those are actually believed to have come from outside of Canada, and just one originated in Saskatchewan.
“About eight or nine years ago, we would have 3,400 tests a year,” said Dr. Shahab. “Last year we had around 12,000 tests. So there is a lot of testing happening in Saskatchewan.”
Simple precautionary measures can help avoid the risk of getting bitten all together:
• Pull socks over pants to prevent ticks from crawling up legs
• Wear repellent with DEET or Icaridin
• Wear light colored clothing so you can see the pest
• Do a full body tick check after being in long grass or wooded areas on you and your pets
There are also a number of treatment options available for dogs that can help them avoid becoming a ticks next snack.
Dr. Tracy Fisher with the Albert North Veterinary Clinic recommends checking behind an animal’s ears, under their legs, or their neck.
“Other places where they love, is where they can get access to blood really easily,” she explained. “This time of year is a real peak season for when ticks emerge and it will slow and then we’ll see another peak in August.”
Ticks are usually out in Saskatchewan from early spring until early October.
More details on symptoms of Lyme disease or what to do if you do get bit can be found here.
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