Results of the Canadian Pet tick Survey for Manitobans!

Beginning April 1, 2019 Virden Animal Hospital took part in the Canadian Pet Tick survey undertaken by the University of Guleph. The university provided private veterinary clinics from across the country with the ability to submit ticks from client-owned dogs and cats for a one-year period beginning April 1, 2019.

Tick identification and pathogen testing took place at the University of Guelph and the data was analysed to assess the risk of ticks and tick-borne pathogens for Canadian pets.

On March 31, 2021 we received the results for pet owners in Manitoba. 

Here is what you should know:

Both the blacklegged ticks and American dog ticks have been found in Manitoba. The Blacklegged ticks are the ticks that can carry Lyme disease and 23% of the black legged ticks collected were positive for Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Those ticks are found usually October to May. 

Of the ticks collected in the survey in Manitoba, over 90% of them were seen April to June. However, ticks can be present throughout the year if temperatures are above freezing.

Ticks were mainly found on dogs but 10% of those collected were found on cats.

Ticks normally were found on the head, ears and back so that is where you should be checking for ticks.

How do you protect your pet? Please contact Virden Animal Hospital for your tick prevention alternatives. Make sure you perform daily checks (of you and your pet) and try to avoid areas with higher risk such as wooded areas and long grass. However, ticks can be found in your back yard!

Please see the infographic at the start of this article and print off for your use. It has been provided courtesy of the University of Guelph.

Additional information on ticks can be found at http://ticktalkcanada.com.

For more information on tick prevention, please contact the Hospital at 204-748-3950.