AKA Deer tick

Ixodes scapularis 

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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Dermacentor variabilis

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 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 cookei

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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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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Ixodes marxi

Feeds on: Most commonly feeds on squirrels and smaller animals including hares, however, there are numerous records for this tick biting cats, dogs and humans.(1)
Pathogens transmitted: Powassan Virus (1)

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Ixodes muris

Feeds on: This tick typically feeds on mice and other small mammals, though it is also known to feed on migratory birds, cats, dogs and humans.(1)
Pathogens transmitted: Competent vector for Babesia microti, and carries but is a relatively weak vector for Borrelia burgdorferi. Causes a noninfectious, severe inflammatory reaction in domestic animals and several other mammalian species, and humans to a lesser degree.(1)(7)

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Haemaphysalis leporispalustris

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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