Ticks carrying Lyme disease have been found in Alberta.
The provincial government is advising people to avoid contact by using insect repellent and covering up when walking in tall grass or bush.
No human cases of Lyme disease have been reported, but disease-carrying ticks have been found on four dogs and one cat in the Calgary and Edmonton areas, according to a government news release.
A bite from a Lyme disease-infected tick can cause illness in people, pets and wildlife if the tick remains attached for more than 24 hours.
Though treatable, Lyme disease can be debilitating and can have long-term effects on people.
Symptoms include a circular red rash, followed by fever, chills, headache and swollen lymph glands. Serious cases can lead to meningitis, heart problems and arthritis.
“Ticks that carry Lyme disease are rarely found in Alberta. However, Agriculture and Rural Development is continuing to monitor the situation and is trying to determine whether or not the ticks that carry Lyme disease are established in the province,” Dr. Gerald Hauer, chief provincial veterinarian, said in a news release.
“It is important for pet owners to inspect their animals for ticks, especially after they’ve visited areas where ticks are, such as grassy fields and wooded areas.”
Those who find ticks on their pets should take the insects to a veterinarian for identification and testing.
Using insect repellent with DEET on pets is not recommended.
