Research reported at the annual meeting of the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology reveals black-legged ticks infected with the Lyme disease-causing microbe thrive in subfreezing weather and can be active, even in winter. Laura Ferguson, PhD, and Amal El Nabbout reported their findings from working with ticks over three winters.
Infected ticks in fluctuating temperatures were the most industrious, waking up about four days a week, compared with one or two days a week for uninfected ticks or ticks kept at one temperature. In addition, a higher proportion of infected ticks became active after a cold spell than the uninfected ticks.
Source: Science, January 7, 2022. Link.
About 79 percent of infected ticks survived the cold compared to only 50 percent survival of uninfected ticks, an advantage that could translate into higher disease rates in the spring.” – Laura Ferguson, PhD
Also see: 5 Myths about ticks on dogs, The Wildest, November 25, 2021. Link. Shea Cox, DVM tackles tick myths common with dog owners.
INSIGHTS: Animal health pros continue to struggle with compliance to 12-month prevention protocols. These findings support asserting the need for tick prevention every month and for warning pet owners about winter outings with their animals. Share with local media as well.