TICKS

During the last 10 years we have observed an ever increasing number of ticks. Ticks come in many different species (brown dog tick, deer or “lyme tick”, and wood tick) and more to come (lone star tick).

Southern Maine and Southern N.H. are now considered endemic areas for tick transmitted disease such as: lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesia, etc. Why are we seeing this explosion of ticks?

The reasons are multiple. Interestingly the “white-tailed deer” has a lot to do with it. Around 1890 the population of white-tailed deer was estimated to be around 300,000 in eastern Canada and the north eastern U.S. The diminished numbers were the results of over hunting of deer and bison by the so called “marketeers” at that time. The U.S. government recognized the demise of these species and passed laws calling for a stop of these policies. In just over 100 years the population of the white-tailed deer is now estimated to be around 27.5 million. Studies have shown that the mature female lyme tick is absolutely dependent on these deer to maintain its status in the ecosystem. Studies on Monhegan Island off the coast of Maine demonstrated near elimination of deer ticks following the removal of deer. Exclusion of deer dramatically decreases deer tick population.

Rats, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, and other small rodents also play an important role in Lyme disease. They are the “reservoir” for Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease bacterium). Larvae and nymph stages of lyme tick feed on these rodents thus introducing the bacterium. Nymphs are often considered sources of infection when they feed on human and other mammals. They are very small and easily missed by the human eye. It is hypothesized that as the acorn numbers grow, so do the rodent populations. So you can see why we now have the perfect lyme storm in New England.

There are other explanations for increased lyme ticks but you get the idea.

Interestingly despite recent pharmaceutical advances in control of flea populations such advances in the area of tick control are lacking. “With the exception of the brown dog tick our ability to manage tick reproduction is limited if not almost non-existent.” (Mickael Dryden, DVM, MS. Phd. Professor of Parisitology, KSU).

The majority of reproducing ticks are not on the dogs or cats but on their natural wildlife hosts. The efficacy of tick products is good but it is not 100%. These facts suggest that in order to control tick disease we need to do many different things. Vaccinate, use topical products (we need newer and better products – “stay-tuned”) and take measures to control our backyards. See website (www.ct.gov/caes) for a tick management handbook developed by Kirby Stafford III Ph.D. (70 pages). The handbook describes in detail how to make your backyard less friendly to ticks.

Because of our evolving changes in weather patterns we are currently recommending year round use of tick control products. Cold weather does not kill these ticks but rather renders them “dormant”. They can survive under a blanket of leaves and snow only to emerge when milder weather occurs.

We are expected to see the emergence of other tick diseases – Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, ehrlichia as time goes on. We will try to keep you informed.

FLEAS

This past summer (2010) will be remembered as the warmest on record in New England. The fleas have certainly benefited. We are still seeing households experiencing fleas on their pets. It will be necessary to be persistent in applying topical flea products monthly as well as premise sprays to eradicate these parasites. Pets have been described as salt shakers in their distribution of flea eggs and larvae in the environment. To see an excellent video of the flea life cycle, click on the “Pet Health Network” on our website (www.yorkanimal.com – pet health network explore button – parasites – fleas).

PORCUPINES

Cool weather also means porcupines. We see a dramatic increase in the number of dogs getting “quilled” during fall, winter, and early spring. Apparently cats know enough to stay away from porcupines and are rarely presented to have quills removed.

MANGE

If your dog develops a severe itch never experienced, your dog could have mange. Over the last 10-15 years mange has become more prevalent in dogs living in rural areas. We believe foxes are the source. They become infected with the mite that causes this contagious disease. The mites fall off the foxes while they are lying in the grass. Along comes an unsuspecting dog who then lies down or rolls in the area and acquires the mite. The “mange” as it is so called is relatively easily treated but often goes undiagnosed creating skin issues. The mite can cause a transitory skin problem in people as well. Call if you have concerns.

HEARTWORM

Please remember to give your heartworm prevention monthly. The last dose can be in November if you so choose (1 month after mosquitoes (infected) are gone) with testing in the spring to restart. If you go south for the winter it would be best to continue using the preventive year round.

Blood tests need to be performed annually. You should get a yearly reminder. If you are not receiving the reminders or if you have any questions, please call.