New Blacklegged Tick Population Found

Ticks found in Bedford have been identified as the type capable of carrying and transmitting Lyme disease. The ticks were found as part of an ongoing provincial surveillance program by the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg.

The National Microbiology Lab is testing 44 blacklegged ticks found in the woods off Shore Drive, in Bedford, for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Those tests are expected to be back by the end of the week.

"It's too early to say whether there is a health threat to the public as we don't know if any of the ticks in that area or any other area outside of Lunenburg are carrying the bacteria," said Dr. Robert Strang, medical officer of health for Capital Health. "We want to make the public aware that these type of ticks could be present anywhere in the province so they should take precautions when working, playing or hiking in grassy or wooded areas."

"Our surveillance program has detected blacklegged ticks in Nova Scotia since 2001," said Jeff Ogden, field entomologist with the Department of Natural Resources. "Surveillance has indicated that the blacklegged tick has been established in Lunenburg County, and that is where we've targeted our active surveillance and education until now."

Mr. Ogden said the province's surveillance system is working. The new ticks were identified through the province's passive surveillance program. The public is urged to continue helping the province with tick surveillance by sending ticks to the Museum of Natural History in Halifax or by dropping them off at a local Department of Natural Resources office. The ticks will then be identified, and blacklegged ticks will be sent to the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg for testing.

"In this case, we had four blacklegged ticks from the same area so there was reason to investigate further," said Mr. Ogden. "This is the first time we've seen that many ticks from an area outside of Lunenburg County."

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by blacklegged ticks. However, an infected tick can only transmit Lyme disease once it has attached itself to the skin for about 24 hours. Lyme disease can be identified by a "bull's eye rash" along with symptoms including fever, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches. Serious diseases such as meningitis, heart problems or chronic joint problems may also develop. Lyme disease is treatable with commonly used antibiotics. There have been three reported cases of Lyme disease in the province since 2002.

The Department of Health recommends all Nova Scotians take some precautions now that the ticks have been found beyond Lunenburg. These precautions include:

• wear a light-coloured long-sleeved shirt and pants (so ticks are more visible), light-coloured socks and enclosed shoes while working or playing outside or hiking in the woods;
• pull socks up over pant legs and tuck in shirts;
• spray clothing with an insect repellant containing DEET;
• check clothing and exposed skin for ticks after working or playing outside or in the woods. DEET should not be applied to pets, however, pets should be checked for ticks before being allowed to enter the house;
• keep grass well cut to minimize suitable habitat for ticks on your property.

Physicians throughout the province are reminded annually of the presence of Lyme disease in the province, and diagnosis and treatment of the disease. They are also asked to report any suspected cases of human infection.

There are many kinds of ticks found in Nova Scotia. Images of the blacklegged tick, instructions on removing ticks and general information on Lyme disease is available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/health/ocmoh/lyme.htm .