Ticks in Alberta

General Information on Ticks

Ticks, a small spider-like arachnid, are parasites that secure themselves on a host animal (Human, pet, or wildlife) by biting, and burying their heads deeply under the skin. Tick bites alone pose no tangible threat to the host animal - it is the possible contraction of Lyme disease that makes tick awareness so important.
In an effort to track the spread of lyme disease within Alberta, and to assess risk to a person or pet after removal, the provincial government began the ‘submit-a-tick’ program. The more people that are aware of ticks and the risks associated with being bitten, the better. The hope is to curb the spread of Lyme disease, and to ensure the highest level of animal welfare.
The most common species of tick in Alberta known to carry borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, is the Blacklegged Tick (or deer tick). To help you identify a blacklegged (aka deer) tick, read the following article from the government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips/blackl...

Lyme Disease

Most tick species in Alberta do not carry borrelia burgdorferi, however there is evidence that tick species capable of carrying the bacteria are expanding their range throughout Canada.
Lyme disease affects Humans, pets, and wildlife. Lyme disease, if left untreated, can cause permanent complications or disability. It is important to note that, although the risk of contracting lyme disease in Alberta is considered very low. The timely removal and submission of tick(s) is imperative - current understanding tells us that it takes about 36-48 hours before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted to the host.

All of this information is found on the ABVMA website. Please be sure to visit this site for more information:

https://www.albertaanimalhealthsource.ca/content/ticks-alberta-what-you-need-know