Albertans Warned to Take Precautions Against Lyme Disease

Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is advising Albertans to take precautions against Lyme disease as ticks carrying the disease have been identified in three areas of the province. Three ticks have tested positive for Borrelia, the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The ticks were found on dogs in the Calgary, High River and Ardrossan areas, and submitted for testing by veterinarians. Borrelia was first identified in Alberta in 2007, in ticks found on dogs in the Stony Plain area. A bite by an infected tick can cause illness in people, wildlife and domestic animals.

“Lyme disease can be a serious condition if it’s not detected early and left untreated,” said Dr. Andre Corriveau, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “We advise anyone who is spending time outdoors to take precautions against tick bites. Your best defence against Lyme disease is prevention. To avoid being bitten by ticks, use insect repellents and cover up when walking in tall grass, woods or brush.”

There have been 20 cases of human Lyme disease reported in Alberta from 1989 to 2009. The majority of cases have been linked to travel in the U.S. or Europe. Public health officials have not been able to confirm that any of the infections were acquired in Alberta. Infected ticks reported in 2007 were thought to be carried to Alberta by migratory birds, as neither the species of tick nor the bacteria had been seen here before.

“Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development operates a tick surveillance project that is looking to see if the ticks that carry Lyme disease are established in the province,” says Dr. Gerald Hauer, Chief Provincial Veterinarian. “Ticks that carry Lyme disease have rarely been found in Alberta, and we are currently trying to get a better understanding of their presence.”
Infection with Lyme disease normally occurs in the summer months from May to August. The disease is recognized as a circular, red rash starting at the tick bite 3 to 30 days after the bite occurs. The rash may be accompanied by fever, chills, headache, fatigue and swollen lymph glands. In some cases, Lyme disease results in neurological and muscular problems weeks or months after the original infection. More serious cases can lead to recurrent meningitis, heart problems and arthritis.

If you find a tick on your pet, contact your local veterinarian to remove it, so the tick can be identified and collected for testing. The veterinarian can treat the infection in pets or domestic animals.
For more information on Lyme disease, visit:www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/lyme-disease.htmlhttp://srd.alberta.ca/BioDiversityStewardship/WildlifeDiseases/documents/WDlymedisease.pdfAnyone who suspects they have Lyme disease should contact HealthLink Alberta – Calgary-area at 403-943-LINK (5465); Edmonton-area at 780-408-LINK (5465) or, outside the local calling area, toll-free at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).

Contact:Howard MayAlberta Health and Wellness, communications403-660-1870
Ag Media Line780-422-1005

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