Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Lyme Disease Update

I recently attended a meeting on Lyme Disease and have results of some studies that apply to our area.  Iowa State University Entomoloogy Department routinely tests ticks for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi).  In 2010 8 to 17 percent of the ticks in Iowa tested positive for the bacteria.  In Polk County in 2011 none of the tested  ticks were found to be positive.  That does not mean however that we don't have Lyme Disease in Polk County.  According to the Center for Disease Control the State of Iowa recorded 78 cases of Lyme Disease in humans in 2010 the last complete year that we have data for.  The CDC also reports that it is now believed that only the black legged tick (Ixodes) also known as the "deer tick" is the only tick that transmits Lyme Disease.  It was previously believed that other species of ticks may carry it also.  They also report that the permethrine based tick repellents are now preferred over DEET containing products. Vectra, one of the flea and tick products for dogs, contains Permethrin. The cat Vectra does not contain Permenthrin as it is toxic to cats. If you would like to have a tick tested for Borrelia burgdorferi wrap it in tissue, add a small drop of water and seal it in a zip-top bag and mail it to Department of Entomology Lyme Disease Project 436 Science II Iowa State University Ames, Iowa 50011-3222.

Lyme Disease in dogs is preventable with good tick control and vaccination.  Each dog's risk in our area should be determined by a veterinarian individually before deciding on a prevention program.

For a good review of Lyme Disease in dogs go to http://bakerinstitute.vet.cornell.edu/. and search "lyme disease".