Time to watch for ticks

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Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

With tick season upon us, Dr. Gerald Hauer, Alberta’s chief veterinarian, says the provincial tick surveillance program is an effective tool to monitor the possible threat posed by the parasites. The program helps officials gain a better understanding of the tick population numbers in Alberta. “We need to get a better understanding of what’s here and their ability to carry Lyme disease which can affect both people and animals,” said Dr. Hauer.


The program uses a multi-stakeholder approach by inviting Albertans to submit ticks they’ve discovered on their animals to their local veterinarians who will then relay them to the Office of the Chief Provincial veterinarian, a part of the Animal Health and Assurance Division of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.

Getting the tick tested can help determine if medical treatment is necessary for the animal. “We identify them and if they are the species that can carry the disease we test them for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease,” said Dr. Hauer. If one tests positive, the local vet is alerted who will in turn contact the pet or livestock owner and inform them of the result. The vet will also give the owner advice on what to look out for and what kind of treatment would be necessary.

In 2013 Alberta Health Services and Alberta Health partnered with ARD’s tick surveillance, allowing for ticks found on humans to be submitted. If someone finds a tick on themselves they are encouraged to contact their local public health clinic to get the tick tested. This reportable disease can cause illness in people, wildlife and domestic animals if the tick remains attached for longer than 24 hours.