Officials across many parts of the country are warning Canadians about an “up-tick” in the incidence of the blood-sucking parasites, but there is no known permanent population of black-legged ticks in this province.
The Department of Forestry says the black-legged tick is the species that carries Lyme disease, and many of the pests identified in this province have typically been carried in on migratory birds.
However, there are other species of tick in the province.
The department says ticks can’t jump or fly, but wait in grass, bushes or shrubs for an animal or person to brush by.
They can attach to skin or clothing and then crawl to a place on the body to attach themselves for a meal of blood.
Residents are advised to check themselves and pets for ticks when outside and to remove the creatures immediately if found. Health Canada has specific instructions on how to remove a tick if you find one.
There have been no reported cases of Lyme disease acquired in Newfoundland and Labrador to-date, and any cases that have been reported are related to travel outside the province.
