Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise in many parts of the United States due to warming weather. Pets and pet owners are at a greater risk of getting sick from ticks than ever before, as these tiny insects are now active throughout the year due to unseasonably high temperatures. Anaplasmosis and babesiosis, two tick-borne illnesses, are becoming increasingly common and can cause serious health problems in both humans and animals.
More Cases of Tickborne Illnesses Reported in Massachusetts
More cases of tickborne illnesses, including anaplasmosis and babesiosis, are being reported in Massachusetts. Ticks carrying Lyme disease used to be the primary concern for vets, but other illnesses are appearing in higher numbers than is typical. Babesiosis is becoming more prevalent in New York and the Northeastern United States and can cause serious illness and even death in some cases. There is no human vaccine for babesiosis, making it essential that people take preventive measures against ticks to protect themselves and their pets.
Dogs at Greater Risk of Getting Sick from Ticks Than Cats
Dogs are at a bigger risk of getting sick from ticks than cats, which is why pet owners need to take extra precautions against ticks when taking their dogs outside for walks. It is recommended to conduct a tick check 20 minutes after a walk, focusing on areas like the ears, chest, feet, and nose. It is better to use fingers to gently pull the tick off pets’ fur instead of tweezers, and to kill and dispose of the tick properly.
Year-Round Treatments for Ticks Now Necessary
Post-walk inspections are still a good idea even if pets are treated with an anti-tick medication, emphasizing that year-round treatments are necessary in many states due to the increasing prevalence of tick-borne illnesses. Lyme disease and babesiosis can threaten people’s lives, particularly the elderly and immunocompromised population.
Personal Protective Measures Can be Taken to Prevent Tick-Borne Illnesses
The risk of getting tick-borne illnesses can be minimized by taking personal protective measures, such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent. Full-body checks multiple times a day are conducted to find any ticks that might have taken up residence on humans, and it is recommended to take a shower or bath after being outdoors to remove any unattached ticks. Tumble-drying clothes on high heat for 10 minutes will kill any ticks that might have hitchhiked there. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 are recommended for skin application.
The Spread of Babesiosis and its Consequences
Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells and is transmitted by blacklegged or deer ticks. Symptomatically, babesiosis can seem flulike and, in some cases, lead to fatal outcomes. Babesiosis cases have risen significantly in eight states, and it is now considered endemic in some areas. There are no vaccines for tickborne diseases like babesiosis and Lyme disease.
Public Education and Surveillance Efforts Important to Control Tick-Borne Diseases
Public education efforts are crucial for the prevention of tickborne diseases as there are no vaccines currently available. Controlling tick populations through surveillance efforts is also important in ensuring public health safety. The upward trend of tick-borne illnesses, as well as the geographic range where these viruses are found, is likely to continue.
In conclusion, ticks are becoming a significant public health concern due to warming weather leading to increased activity all year round. Personal protective measures such as the use of repellents containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535, and full body checks multiple times a day can prevent tick-borne diseases. Pet owners must ensure they conduct post-walk inspections and treat their pets year-round to minimize the risk of tick-borne illnesses. Public education efforts and surveillance are crucial steps to take to control the spread of these diseases.
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