Ticks Prevalent This Spring

Local veterinarians are being told by pet owners that ticks are especially prevalent in the area this spring in long grass, scrub, and brush.

People working outside, camping, or walking through brushy areas should inspect themselves, children, and pets afterward, advised St. Ignace veterinarian Mary Alban, who said she's seen several cases of tick infestation this spring. Ticks often crawl onto pantlegs, ankles, and lower legs before crawling under clothing, she said, so those are good areas for application of insecticides. Pantlegs can also be tucked into boot tops to repel the insects.

Most ticks found locally are varieties carried by small wildlife such as rabbits, said Pickford veterinarian Clinton Groover, who said tick populations seem to be increasing here over the past few years, and are high this year owing to a mild winter and warm, dry spring.

"We have had more tick complaints, by far, than last year," Dr. Groover said May 11.

Products are available to help keep ticks off pets, and using them will help keep the insects from getting into the house, Dr. Alban said.

If a tick is found, it should be removed carefully by grasping its neck, but not its body, she advised. Aphysician or veterinarian can assist people in proper tick removal.

After removing a burrowedin tick from a pet, it's important to pay particular attention to the pet's health for the next two weeks or so, owing to increased potential for disease, Dr. Groover said. If a health problem arises, advise the veterinarian that the pet experienced a tick infestation.