Field study confirms presence of Lyme disease - Manitoba

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http://winnipegsun.com/News/Manitoba/2006/06/30/1662174.html

June 30, 2006

Field study confirms presence of Lyme disease
By Online staff

A field survey conducted in southeastern Manitoba has confirmed the
presence
of an established population of blacklegged ticks infected with the
organism
that causes Lyme disease.

The survey, conducted by the Public Health Agency of Canada in
conjunction
with Manitoba Health and Health Canada, was undertaken in spring 2006.
Sampling was conducted in areas around Buffalo Bay which includes the
village of Middlebro, a neighbouring wildlife refuge, the Buffalo Point
area, and areas near Moose Lake and Birch Point provincial parks.

Blacklegged ticks have been found in the past in several locations
within
Manitoba. However, this is the first evidence of an established
population
in Manitoba. Ticks that transmit Lyme disease are also established in
other
parts of Canada including parts of southern Ontario, Nova Scotia and
southern British Columbia.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted from infected
blacklegged
ticks (sometimes called deer ticks) to humans.

The risk of catching Lyme disease in Manitoba continues to be low. This
risk
is further reduced if attached ticks are removed early, especially
within 24
hours.

Most species of ticks found in Manitoba, including the more common
American
dog ticks (also known as wood ticks), are not effective transmitters of
Lyme
disease. Most blacklegged ticks found in Manitoba are believed to be
introduced by migratory birds which may be infested in areas to the
south
and are not suspected to represent established populations.

Both wood ticks and blacklegged ticks can be found in tall grass, along
trail margins and in wooded areas. Adult wood ticks are common in
Manitoba
from May to July. Adult blacklegged ticks can be found from April to
November but are most common in October and November.

Further information on Lyme disease can be found in Manitoba Health's
Lyme
disease fact sheet, available at
www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/fs/lyme.pdf

Copyright © 2006, Canoe Inc.

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