Keeping vigilant about ticks
Warming temperatures remind us ticks are out and biting. Here are some precautions you can take to have a tick-free summer.
Winter ticks threaten moose
Why winter ticks are among the greatest threats to Ontario’s moose.
Lyme disease prevention gets easier
Pharmacists can now prescribe prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease, making it easier to get immediate treatment for tick bites.
Tick surveillance suspended
Toronto Public Health’s (TPH) black-legged tick collection program was put on hold in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.
More Thunder Bay area deer ticks carrying Lyme
Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) reported 62.5% of black-legged ticks collected tested positive for the Lyme disease bacteria.
Tick submissions no longer accepted
Local health units are no longer accepting black-legged ticks from the public after a decision by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory (NML)’s to stop testing them as of Sept. 20.
Seasonal Lyme disease shot trials underway
Clinical trials for a seasonal preventative shot for Lyme disease began in mid-February in the US by the University of Massachusetts (UMASS).
Tick season in full swing
With the arrival of summer-like weather, the province is reminding everyone to take precautions to prevent tick bites and reduce the risk of Lyme disease.
Lyme disease getting worse in eastern Ontario
Lyme disease is increasing with more black-legged ticks, and an increased chance of being bitten. The odds of that tick carrying the disease is about 30%.