Ticks more prevalent this year, say Annapolis Valley vets

Some vets in the Annapolis Valley say Nova Scotia's tick population is booming. Ticks can carry diseases that can harm pets and people, including Lyme Disease. 

"This year we've already doubled our number and it's only early June," says Dr. Jody Cunningham Rice, with Port Royal Animal Hospital. 

Cunningham Rice says so far this summer, six dogs have tested positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease — that's twice as many as last year. 

At the Wolfville Animal Hospital, Dr. Peter Bligh is also seeing more ticks.

"The numbers of reports that we receive is growing dramatically," says Bligh. "Several years ago we hardly ever saw ticks, but more recently it's everyday."  

According to Bligh, the most common tick is the brown dog tick, which doesn't carry Lyme disease. But, he says, vets are also finding more ticks that carry serious diseases, including the blacklegged deer tick and the Texas lonestar tick. 

Ticks had been thought to be more prevalent on the South Shore, but now, that seems to be changing. 

"Ticks are showing up more frequently everywhere in the province now," says Bligh. 

More ticks, more disease

Cunningham Rice says the jump in tick-bourne diseases could be due, in part, to more people screening their dogs. 

A simple blood test costs between $50 and $80 and can quickly identify diseases before symptoms begin. 

Cunningham Rice says that test can save a dog's life. She remembers one particularly difficult case of Lyme disease in a 2-year-old pup. 

"It was heartbreaking to see that dog just wither away and have lost little boys lose their beloved pet," she says.

"So that's what stuck with me this whole time. I figure if we can pick up those positives before they develop into a case like that, then I will have done my job." 

Ticks tend to be more prevalent in wooded areas with long grass. Cunningham Rice says people should check their dogs for ticks daily. 

Ticks can be remove by grabbing the insect closest to its head, and pulling with consistent force. A vaccine to protect dogs against Lyme disease is also available.