Scientists are warning Canadians to prepare for a slow but steady spread of ticks coming from the United States.
Experts say different types of ticks carrying harmful diseases are moving north and may soon become more common in Canada. The Government of Canada already reports more than 40 tick species in the country.
The most common is the blacklegged tick, which can spread Lyme disease. Symptoms can include fever, tiredness, and a “bull’s-eye” rash. If untreated, Lyme disease can lead to serious joint, heart, and nerve problems.
Researchers at a new tick research centre at Acadia University in Nova Scotia say they are working to better understand and prevent tick-borne diseases. Scientists there say there is still no vaccine for Lyme disease, and multiple pathogens can be carried by ticks.
Experts also say some ticks are moving north from the U.S. at about 50 kilometres per year. One concern is the lone star tick, which can cause a rare red meat allergy in some people. In the United States, some cases have led to severe allergic reactions after eating meat.
Another concern is the Asian long-horned tick, which can harm livestock and cause serious losses for farmers.
Researchers are studying ticks in secure labs by feeding them blood and tracking how they grow and spread. They say this helps them better prepare for future outbreaks.
Experts recommend simple prevention steps, such as wearing long clothing outdoors, tucking in pants, and checking for ticks after being outside.
