Global warming, spread of infected ticks linked

LYME DISEASE

A new study has documented the rapid growth in Canada of ticks that can cause Lyme disease, and global warming is thought to be a factor.

Ticks capable of carrying Lyme disease went from being almost non- existent in populated areas in Canada in 1990 to now being in 18 per cent of such spots east of Saskatchewan, and this is expected to reach 80 per cent by 2020, says the paper published in the British Ecological Society’s Journal of Applied Ecology.

The report did not specifically link global warming with this trend, but lead researcher Patrick Leighton, of the University of Montreal’s faculty of veterinary medicine, said rising temperatures are thought to be a reason.

“My opinion is that there probably has been an increase in the spread [ of ticks] due to the warming climate,” he said.

He added that higher populations of white- tailed deer, which carry the insect, as well as reforestation are also likely facilitating the colonization of ticks in Canada.

The study did show that warmer areas are seeing more rapid growth in ticks. Some of the spots seeing particularly fast growth include southern Quebec, southern and eastern Ontario, and southern Nova Scotia, Leighton said.

He said most areas in Western Canada do not have significant tick populations.

Ticks are typically found in wooded areas.

Asked about how a changing climate is affecting the way Canadians live, Leighton said:” I think it’s a reality. The flip side of that is it’s making getting into the outdoors in Canada more feasible.”

An early sign of Lyme disease, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, is a circular rash at the site of the tick bite.

Fatigue, chills, fever, headaches, and muscle and joint pain often follow. If untreated, the disease can lead to nervous system disorders, multiple skin rashes, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue and general weakness, but is rarely fatal, the agency says on its website.

Early treatment with antibiotics is effective in eliminating the illness most of the time, it adds.