'They've been increasing': Manitoba seeing jump in number of ticks
This year's tick season is trending upward in Manitoba according to data and experts.
The latest numbers from etick.ca – a website where people can report tick sightings and encounters – show 68 entries in Manitoba since the beginning of March. That is up from the 23 submissions in the same time span last year.
Quinn Lawrence has a daily routine of taking her dog Cuba for a walk and that routine includes a thorough check for unwanted guests like ticks.
"We'll do the different pills that we have to do every month for her, but it's something that we have to check her all the time. And she's a black dog, so it's hard to see them on her sometimes," said Lawrence.
Entomologist Taz Stuart said it could be an especially bad year for ticks.
"A nice mild winter is one of the key things," said Stuart. You've got the perfect conditions for them. They've been increasing over the last several years."
That includes the black-legged tick and other disease-carrying types.
"Especially since 2000 (ticks have) spread literally (throughout) the southern half of Manitoba and it is spreading west as well. So more and more ticks, more chance of a prevalence of Lyme disease or other diseases."
Dr. Jonas Watson, a veterinarian at Grant Park Animal Hospital, said he has already seen about a dozen animals testing positive with antibodies to Lyme disease.
"That doesn't mean that they've got clinical illness. That just means they've been exposed. So it's a good reminder that ticks are out there," said Watson.
He said tick prevention medication is the best way to protect your pets.
"These come in usually chewable, medicated treats and sometimes as topical products. They're very effective and very safe."
Even with the medication, he recommends still looking over your pets – including their ears, eyes and mouth.
"You don't need to panic if you find a tick on your dog, and you don't need to worry about them burrowing into the dog. We usually use a tick remover device, or our own fingers, to firmly grasp the tick and yank (it) away from the animal. That usually will remove the tick in its entirety."
Stuart is reminding people to check themselves as well to ensure no tick has clung on. He recommends people check after being outdoors and consider preventative steps, like covering exposed skin and using a repellent.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton dead following prison attack
Convicted B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, who preyed on women he lured from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to his rural pig farm, has died.
2 children among 5 people hospitalized after head-on crash on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's west end
Two young children and three adults were seriously injured in a major collision on Highway 417 between Palladium Drive and Carp Road in Ottawa's west end Friday afternoon.
DND moving 1,000 employees out of Ottawa office building due to safety concerns
The Department of National Defence is moving approximately 1,000 employees out of an office building in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood, citing safety concerns for its employees.
Baby dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to woman who was in police custody
A newborn is dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to a woman in police custody.
Marian Robinson, mother of Michelle Obama, dies at 86
Marian Shields Robinson, the mother of Michelle Obama who moved with the first family to the White House when son-in-law Barack Obama was elected president, has died. She was 86.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
These are the recalls in Canada this week
Health Canada recalled various items this week, including more unauthorized products, counterfeit drugs and bassinets.