An Alert Concerning Tick Borne Diseases
Veterinarians and pet owners across the US are being alerted to the rise in cases of tick-borne diseases. The answer to ‘why’ this is happening is simply an exponential rise in the number of ticks in this country.
Various agencies including the DNR have announced extremely high numbers in tick populations in all areas of the US, but predominantly in the Midwest. This doesn’t just hit close to home, it is home.
In our patients we have already witnessed this increase in tick-borne diseases. We have diagnosed 10 times more cases of Lyme Disease this year than any year previous. Lyme disease presents primarily as a fever and lameness condition.
Other tick-borne diseases in this area are Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis. These diseases present with a multitude of symptoms and are considered in any dog which has a fever and is extremely lethargic.
All 3 of these are bacterial diseases which can cripple and even kill dogs. How can you prevent these diseases in light of the tick boom? Do all that you can to prevent ticks…and vaccinate for Lyme Disease. A vaccine does not currently exist for the other two diseases.
Many topical products like Frontline, ProMeris, and our new Certifect are very good at tick control. A tick collar, called Preventic, is also highly effective and gives 6 months of tick control.