Sunday, July 24, 2011

Deer Ticks and Lyme Disease

In Newfoundland we are fortunate to be insulated from the spread of some insects commonly found on the mainland.  We don't hear much about Deer Ticks or Lyme Disease here.  There is actually a small population of Deer Ticks (aka Black-Legged Ticks) in the province.  In fact, I just read a note out of Clarenville that a dog there tested positive for Lyme Disease and Deer Ticks have been found in the area.

Though deer is the desirable host for Deer Ticks, our moose and caribou populations may offer an adequate host to enable to population to grow.  You can provide protection for your pets. A community vet will have the appropriate collars.  People do get Lyme Disease - it comes following a bite (i.e. sucking blood) by a infected tick.  Not all ticks will have been infected by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.  If you are bitten and it was by a tick - expect a rash which expands outwards over several days, aches, chills, fever and other symptoms. Have this checked out by your doctor and get treated.

If you plan to hike in summer and will be travelling through long grass or brush, wearing pants would be a preventative measure. If you think you've found a tick bring it to a local or provincial government vet.
T.

4 comments:

  1. I love you blog! Blogged about you today:
    http://stjohnsmom.blogspot.com/2011/08/august-is-month-of-nl-blogs-4.html
    keep it up :-)

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  2. Hi, I was wondering if you've ever seen a red, cherry-stem-like insect in Newfoundland. I used to see them all the time when I lived on Random Island, congregating around light sources at night in the summer. They are about an inch long, with long wings, body and legs. They appear to sting when provoked, though I've fortunately never been subject to that. I'm just wondering if you have any information about the insect, as I've been intrigued by it for years and can't find it online anywhere.

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  3. Hi Mark,
    Thanks for visiting, you've asked a great and maybe complex question. If they do sting I'm leaning towards a wasp: the Ichneumonidae Wasp to be exact. There are thousands of different versions of this type of wasp in North America and many are long and slender. They are quite different that the usual wasps, such as yellow jackets. I've collected Ichneumonidaes in Newfoundland, some an inch long, others 3 inches long. Hope this is helpful.
    T.

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  4. Hi St. John's Mom.
    I saw your post - thanks very much - awesome blog you have there!
    T.

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