Ticks: A Growing Concern In New Brunswick

Ticks are prevalent in New Brunswick, with 11 species found in the province between 2013 and 2017, including Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as black-legged or deer ticks. These ticks are vectors for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus disease. The risk of contracting these diseases is a growing concern for residents, and the province has designated several counties as risk areas. The establishment of tick-tracking programs and identification platforms, such as eTick.ca, helps residents identify tick species and potential health risks. With the number of ticks and infected species on the rise, taking precautions like nightly tick checks, using bug sprays, and wearing long, light-coloured clothing when outdoors is essential for New Brunswick residents.

Blacklegged ticks are found in New Brunswick

Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are found in New Brunswick. They are well-established in the region and are known to carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Between 2013 and 2017, over 5,000 ticks were submitted as part of provincial tick surveillance in New Brunswick, and of these submissions, 81% were identified as blacklegged ticks. This makes them the most prevalent tick species in the province.

Blacklegged ticks exist in four life stages: egg, immature tick (larva and nymph), and adult. They require a blood meal to move from the larva to the nymph stage and from the nymph to the adult stage. At the immature stage, they are very small (0.15 mm long) and light in colour. Unfed adults are approximately 3-5 mm long and have a bright red and dark brown colour. After feeding, adult females can grow up to 10 mm in length and become paler in colour.

These ticks can be found in a variety of habitats, including parks, backyards, school yards, golf courses, ATV trails, and wood lots. They are active when the temperature is around four degrees Celsius, so even a bit of sun on the ground can activate them. Blacklegged ticks are known to transmit Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus disease.

To protect yourself from blacklegged ticks, it is important to take preventive measures such as using insect repellent, covering up when outdoors, and conducting daily full-body tick checks. It is also essential to remove ticks as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection. If you are bitten by a tick, watch for early symptoms of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, which may include a rash, fever, aches, and pains.

In New Brunswick, residents can utilise the eTick.ca monitoring platform to identify ticks and assess their potential health risks. This platform was expanded to the province in collaboration with the University of New Brunswick and other academic partners.

Ticks can transmit Lyme disease

Ixodes scapularis, or blacklegged ticks, are found in New Brunswick and can transmit Lyme disease. Between 2013 and 2017, over 5,000 ticks were submitted as part of provincial tick surveillance in New Brunswick, of which 81% were blacklegged ticks. Of the blacklegged ticks tested during this period, on average, 13% were positive for Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is spread to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. The disease was first identified in the United States in 1975 and takes its name from Lyme, Connecticut. There are over 300,000 estimated new cases of Lyme disease in the United States each year.

The symptoms of Lyme disease depend on how long the infection has been present in the body. The first sign is often an expanding red "bullseye" rash that can appear several days after infection or not at all. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to neurological symptoms, heart problems, and a 60% chance of developing Lyme arthritis.

The risk of contracting Lyme disease can be reduced by taking precautions such as wearing light-colored clothing, using insect repellent, and conducting daily tick checks after being outdoors. It is important to remove ticks as soon as possible to reduce the chance of infection.

In New Brunswick, the eTick.ca monitoring platform allows residents to submit photos of ticks they have found to identify the species and determine if they can transmit Lyme disease. This helps residents stay informed about potential health risks.

Ticks are most commonly found in parks, backyards, and school yards

Ticks are commonly found in areas with vegetation, such as parks, backyards, and school yards. They are also prevalent in golf courses, ATV trails, and woodlands. Ticks are small blood-sucking parasites that can transmit Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. They are active when the temperature is around four degrees Celsius and above, which means they can be active in the winter when the ground temperature is about 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

In New Brunswick, blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are the most common species, accounting for 81% of tick submissions between 2013 and 2017. These ticks can transmit Lyme disease, with an average of 13% of blacklegged tick submissions testing positive for the disease. Other tick species found in New Brunswick include the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), the moose or winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus), and the groundhog tick (Ixodes cookie).

To protect yourself from ticks, it is important to conduct daily or nightly full-body tick checks, especially after being outdoors. It is also recommended to wear long clothing and light-colored clothing, as ticks can be more easily spotted on light colors. Insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin can also be applied to clothing to repel ticks.

If you find a tick on your body, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it steadily upwards without twisting or jerking. Wash the bite area and your hands with soap and water, and apply an antiseptic to the bite site. If you experience any symptoms such as fever, aches, pains, or a rash, consult a healthcare provider.

Tick surveillance programs help identify tick hotspots

Tick surveillance programs are essential for identifying tick hotspots and understanding the risks associated with tick-borne diseases. These programs help monitor the presence and distribution of ticks, track their species, and assess the potential health hazards they pose to humans and animals.

In New Brunswick, Canada, the provincial tick surveillance program has played a crucial role in identifying areas with established tick populations. Through this program, officials have confirmed the presence of ticks in six out of the province's 15 counties, all located in southern and central New Brunswick. The identification of these hotspots enables targeted interventions and public awareness campaigns to reduce the risk of tick bites and the spread of tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease.

Tick surveillance programs typically employ both passive and active elements. The passive element relies on public participation, where people submit tick samples they have found. This method provides valuable data on tick species and their locations. On the other hand, the active element involves physically going into the field and using methods like drag sampling or flagging to collect ticks from the environment. This approach is more time-consuming but offers a more comprehensive understanding of tick populations and their distribution patterns.

One example of a successful tick surveillance program is the eTick.ca monitoring platform in Canada. This platform allows individuals to submit photos of ticks they encounter and receive information about the species and associated health risks within 24 hours. It also enables users to record and track their findings on an interactive map, providing real-time data on tick species prevalence in specific areas.

Another notable program is the Tick Surveillance Scheme (TSS) in the United Kingdom. Established in 2005, TSS records tick distributions on a national scale and makes the data available for research and public use. By collecting tick samples and relevant information, TSS helps identify tick species, their seasonal activity, and their host associations. This information is crucial for understanding the public health impact of ticks and detecting the presence of non-native or rare tick species.

Overall, tick surveillance programs are vital tools for identifying tick hotspots and informing public health interventions. They help raise awareness, promote preventative measures, and ultimately protect the health and safety of communities at risk of tick-borne diseases.

Tick identification platforms help people identify tick species

Tick identification platforms are an essential tool to help people identify tick species and protect themselves from tick-borne diseases. In New Brunswick, Canada, the presence of ticks that carry Lyme disease poses a significant risk to public health. The eTick.ca platform, developed by Dr. Jade Savage, a biologist at Bishop's University, has expanded to New Brunswick, enabling residents to identify tick species and potential health risks.

The eTick.ca platform allows users to submit photos of ticks they have found, and provides information on the tick species and any associated health risks within 24-48 hours. This real-time data is crucial for residents to take necessary precautions and seek appropriate treatment if needed. The platform also includes an interactive map that displays the locations of identified ticks, aiding in the monitoring of tick populations and their geographical distribution.

Tick identification platforms offer several benefits to the public. Firstly, they provide a simple and accessible way for people to identify tick species accurately. This is particularly important as ticks can be challenging to identify due to their small size and similar appearances. By submitting a high-quality photo, users can receive a quick and reliable identification of the tick, along with guidance on next steps and potential health risks.

Additionally, these platforms contribute to public health by raising awareness about tick-borne diseases and promoting preventative measures. Through the use of tick identification platforms, people can learn about the ticks prevalent in their area, their life stages, and the associated risks. This knowledge empowers individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from tick bites and potential infections.

Furthermore, tick identification platforms facilitate the monitoring of tick populations and the emergence of new species. By collecting data on tick submissions, researchers can track the geographical distribution of different tick species and identify areas where tick-borne diseases may pose a greater risk. This information is invaluable for public health organizations and policymakers in developing targeted interventions and educational campaigns to prevent the spread of tick-borne diseases.

In conclusion, tick identification platforms, such as eTick.ca, play a vital role in helping people identify tick species, understand potential health risks, and take appropriate preventative measures. By utilizing these platforms, residents of New Brunswick can better protect themselves and their communities from the dangers of tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme disease.

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