As Canadians venture outside for activities like hiking, gardening, and enjoying the sun this spring, they are greeted with an unwanted visitor returning seasonally: ticks .
Due to warmer winters and more moderate temperatures, ticks are thriving In more regions across the nation than at any time previously—introducing an increasing danger of diseases transmitted by ticks such as Lyme disease.
Black-legged ticks, which are primarily accountable for most instances of Lyme disease in Canada, have seen a rapid expansion in their habitat. These ticks can now be found across portions of all southern provinces. Their distribution is significantly linked to this trend. climate change This enables ticks to endure the winter and expand into areas previously too cold during the colder months, thereby increasing the threat to both people and their pets.
Despite over 40 tick species being present in Canada, the most prevalent is the black-legged tick, often referred to as the deer tick, and their population is increasing. They become active when temperatures reach above 4°C and begin seeking a blood meal from either animals or humans.
"The black-legged tick and the western black-legged tick found in Western regions can transmit Lyme disease along with other illnesses. Therefore, being bit by these ticks puts us at risk for contracting such diseases," explained Dr. Sarah Keating from the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation.
She explained that this occurs due to ticks being highly efficient at transmitting diseases. Similar to humans, they possess their own microbiome teeming with numerous microorganisms.
As soon as a tick begins to feed, certain microorganisms may migrate to its salivary glands. Subsequently, when the tick releases saliva into our skin to prevent clotting and evade notice, these pathogens have an opportunity to infiltrate our circulatory system and possibly lead to illness.
Keating mentioned that milder winters allow more ticks to survive beneath the leaves during the colder season.
Previously, during harsh winter seasons, ticks used to arrive on migratory birds. However, nowadays they are managing to survive, which is increasingly noticeable, especially in specific regions of Canada... such as Nova Scotia, southern Quebec, southern Ontario, southern Manitoba, and southwestern British Columbia.
And the figures support this claim.
In Canada, Lyme disease has been increasing over recent years. According to information provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), only 144 instances were documented nationwide back in 2009. However, this figure surged to above 2,800 cases by 2021.
The spike corresponds to the expanding habitat of black-legged ticks, which can now be found across various regions in all the southern provinces. Research indicates that warmer climates and changing environments are enabling these ticks to move northward at an annual pace of 35 to 55 kilometers per year.
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Although Lyme disease is the best-recognized tick-borne ailment in Canada, it certainly isn’t alone. With black-legged ticks broadening their habitat, the variety of illnesses they may transmit has also increased—scientists continue to uncover fresh dangers constantly.
Babesiosis is quite significant," Keating stated. "Other diseases include ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Novel pathogens are constantly being identified.
These lesser-known infections can occasionally become severe, particularly for individuals whose immune systems are compromised.
Lyme disease is brought about by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, transmitted to humans via tick bites. While it is manageable with treatment, identifying it promptly is crucial.
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If an individual realizes they've been bitten by a tick and subsequently develops a rash or flu-like symptoms soon afterward, antibiotics typically resolve the issue," Keating stated. "The challenge lies in the fact that numerous people aren't aware of being bitten at all. These ticks can be minuscule and may latch onto areas we do not easily spot—such as our head or upper back.
Lyme disease symptoms typically unfold over several stages. During the initial stage, individuals may observe a tell-tale bull’s-eye rash near the tick bite, alongside feelings of tiredness, fever, or sore muscles. Without treatment, this condition can advance to cause severe health issues.
Several weeks into the condition, the nervous system may get affected – symptoms could include facial paralysis similar to Bell’s palsy, joint discomfort, and persistent tiredness," she explained. "Should it turn long-lasting, it has the potential to impact the brain and result in mental health issues such as depression, or more rarely, psychosis.
With ticks increasingly prevalent throughout Canada, specialists emphasize the significance of conducting routine tick inspections, particularly following outdoor activities in meadows, forests, or scrublands.
"It’s crucial for individuals who have spent time outdoors, particularly in wooded areas or tall grass, to conduct a thorough tick inspection upon returning indoors,” Keating emphasized. “This should include examining every part of their body, such as the scalp, and also checking young children who might not be able to inspect themselves.”
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However, ticks are not only an issue in woodland areas; they can also be encountered in urban settings such as city parks and residential yards, noted Justin Wood, CEO of Geneticks, a Canadian firm that analyzes ticks for Lyme disease.
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As I frequently explain to others, wherever birds can travel, ticks can also venture," he stated. "Birds commonly latch onto ticks which allows these pests to spread locally and nationwide, and sometimes right across the continent.
Wood emphasized the significance of conducting a comprehensive tick inspection following outdoor activities. Although adult ticks are more noticeable—about the size of a blueberry when fully fed—nymphs can be considerably smaller, often barely larger than a freckle.
He stated that if you happen upon a tick, the initial step should be to remove it carefully. You can accomplish this by utilizing fine-tipped tweezers to grip the tick as near to your skin as feasible before pulling upwards gently.
"Once the tick is gone, you can begin making choices about your next steps. We always recommend testing the ticks," Wood stated.
There aren't reliable diagnostic tools for the initial phase of Lyme disease, making it challenging to determine if an infection has occurred shortly after being bitten. Analyzing ticks may assist individuals in consulting with their healthcare provider to make better-informed choices regarding subsequent actions.
In addition to performing tick checks, there are several other strategies you can use to minimize the risk of tick bites. This includes wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs, applying insect repellents containing DEET or icaridin, and staying on designated trail paths, as mentioned.
Dogs, particularly pets, can serve as a primary route for ticks to get into your house, even when they aren’t exhibiting any indications of being bitten.
There are preventive medications available for dogs that can be administered either monthly or quarterly to ward off ticks," Keating explained. "Should a tick bite the animal, it will fall off right away.
Still, she warned that ticks can hitch a ride in a dog’s fur and make their way into your home, even if they don’t bite your pet.
Ticks love to hitch a ride on dogs, so it’s important to check them after they've been outside, experts say. Global News
If these pets are sitting on your lap or sleeping on your bed, the ticks can crawl onto you," she explained. "This poses a considerable risk for pet owners.
Performing tick inspections on your pets, particularly following outings or outdoor activities, holds equal importance to examining yourself. However, this task can be challenging at times.
I own a large black dog," Keating mentioned, "and it can be quite challenging to locate ticks on him.
She urged pet owners to consult with their veterinarians regarding tick prevention strategies and medications that are available.
