The Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme.com) would like to alert people in the Okanagan that while you enjoy the outdoors, be reminded ticks that transmit Lyme disease to humans are active at temperatures above -4 C.
As temperatures warm to above zero, ticks will become more active.
A tick was collected from a Peachland dog on Jan. 3 by a Kelowna dog groomer who contacted a local veterinarian. Daily high temperatures on that day and the previous days had not gone above zero degrees.
CanLyme was called to pick up the tick for identification. It has been identified as a female ixodes tick, the species known to transmit Lyme disease to humans and their household pets (including larger animals such as horses).
Several ixodes ticks were collected this past year in the Central Okanagan with the help of local veterinarians and dog groomers.
Take extra precautions when wood gathering, hiking or other outdoor activities.
Stay away from sitting on logs, or walking in low brush or low grassy areas and wear tick repellents that contain DEET, especially around the openings of the clothing at the wrists, waist, ankles, and neck.
If you have any questions or if you find a tick please call Jim Wilson at CanLyme at 250-768-0978
Jim Wilson,
West Kelowna