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National Veterinary Association Advises Canadians that Ticks are Becoming Fitter, Better, Faster, and Stronger
February 27, 2024
OTTAWA, Ont. – March is National Tick Awareness Month (NTAM) and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and Merck Animal Health are advising Canadians to stay vigilant because tick control may be needed when you least expect it.
“Recent research has shown that ticks infected with tick-borne pathogens like Borrelia burgdoferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum may actually be more resilient than uninfected ticks, especially in our colder Canadian climate. These ‘fitter, better, faster, stronger’ ticks can increase the risk for people and pets across our country, especially at times of the year when ticks might not be top of mind,” says Dr. Trevor Lawson, CVMA President. “It is our responsibility and privilege as veterinary professionals to spread this knowledge and help our clients protect their family members, including the furry ones, for the entire tick risk period, which in some cases is all year round.”
Ticks infected with these pathogens may demonstrate improved recovery following subzero temperatures, increased feeding abilities, elevated survival rates, and enhanced cold tolerance among other advantages.
The CVMA and Merck Animal Health will host a webinar for veterinary professionals on March 1 to kick-off NTAM. Dr. Heather Coatsworth of the Public Health Agency of Canada will review tick surveillance in Canada, and how tick and tick-borne disease distribution is changing, including emerging pathogens and potential drivers for this change. Ms. El Nabbout, lead author of a recently published study which focused on cold tolerance of ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi will share how infection with this pathogen impacts tick well-being, the potential impact on tick expansion, and the importance of being vigilant of tick risk, especially during colder months.
Since 2016, NTAM, led by the CVMA in partnership with Merck Animal Health, has focused on key components of tick awareness to help protect pets and their people.
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The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more.
Additional Links:
- TickTalkCanada.com
- CanadianVeterinarians.net
- Female ticks (Ixodes scapularis) infected with Borrelia burgdorferi have increased overwintering survival, with implications for tick population growth
Contact:
Lori Ahronson
Manager, Communications and Public Relations
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
lahronson@cvma-acmv.org