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Yukon, NWT, Nunavut, Labrador

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“In the summer of 2023, Dr. Rebecca Jackson noticed something she'd never seen before in her time at the Valley Vet Clinic, the only one in central Labrador: pets who hadn't travelled outside Labrador came in with ticks.” CBC 

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AKA Deer tick

Ixodes scapularis 

BLACKLEGGED TICK

Feeds on: This aggressive species of tick feeds on mice and other small rodents, a variety of birds, deer and other larger mammals; adult and nymph stages readily bite humans.(1)
Pathogens transmitted: As populations of this primary vector for Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) grow, Canadian Lyme risk zones are increasing, with highest prevalence in NS, QB and ON.(5) The blacklegged tick is also known to spread Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis), Babesia microti, Powassan Virus, Borrelia miyamotoi, Ehrlichia muris eauclarensis, and cause tick paralysis in dogs and other animals. Bartonella and Rickettsia strains have been found in the blacklegged tick, however, more research is required to prove they are competent vectors of these diseases in humans.(1)

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Ixodes  cookei

GROUNDHOG TICK

Feeds on: Wide distribution throughout Canada  makes this tick one of the most commonly encountered. The groundhog tick typically feeds on groundhogs/woodchucks and other small animals including cats and dogs, and though less common, is also known to bite humans.(1)
Pathogens transmitted: Powassan virus, filarial nematodes, carries but is not indicated to be a competent vector of Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease).(3)

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Amblyomma americanum

LONE STAR TICK

Feeds on: Though it has been found in all provinces but SK, NB and PEI, significant populations of this species are not yet established in Canada. This very aggressive species of tick feeds on a wide variety of mammals and birds including coyotes, deer, and domestic animals, and is known to bite and transmit disease to humans (1)(2)(4).
Pathogens transmitted: human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, tularaemia, southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), tick paralysis, alpha-gal syndrome red meat allergy, Heartland virus disease, Bourbon virus disease. Though less common, lone star ticks also carry and spread Coxiella burnettii induced Q-fever, Rickettsia parkeri, Rickettsia amblyommii, and Panola Mountain ehrlichiosis. (1) (4)

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Dermacentor variabilis

AMERICAN DOG TICK

Feeds on: Typically feeds on mid-sized mammals including dogs, raccoons, porcupines and black bears, and also readily feeds on humans.(1)
Pathogens transmitted: Though the potential for people contracting a tick-borne disease from this species is thought to be relatively low, it is known to carry Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), tularaemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and cause tick paralysis. It is also known to infect wild and domestic cats with the fatal protozoan Cytauxzoon felis, and horses with equine piroplasm, Babesia caballi, and Ehrlichia risticii, the causative agent of Potomac horse fever.(1)

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Ixodes angustus

IXODES ANGUSTUS

Feeds on: Wide distribution throughout Canada and the rest of North America makes this tick one of the most commonly encountered. Ixodes angustus typically feeds on rodents and small animals including cats and dogs, and though it is less common it is also  known to bite humans.(1)
Pathogens transmitted: Carries and is a competent vector of Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), and Babesia microti.(1)

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Haemaphysalis leporispalustris

RABBIT TICK

Feeds on: As inferred from its common name this abundant species of tick most commonly feeds on rabbits and hares, however, it also feeds on a variety of birds, with less common accounts of feeding on larger mammals and humans.(1)
Pathogens transmitted: Rickettsia canadensis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Rickettsia rickettsii) Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), with the potential to disseminate other pathogens as a result of its association with birds regularly infested by blacklegged ticks.(1)

 

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