No ticks were found in tick dragging last week in the Cargill area. Tick dragging is used to catch as many ticks as possible for species identification and testing for the bacteria causing Lyme Disease. Sampling consists of dragging a flannel cloth over and around vegetation where ticks may be waiting for a passing host. The ticks will attach to the flannel cloth.
Grey Bruce is a low risk area. In 2014, the Grey Bruce Health Unit received 17 tick submissions. One tick found last year in the Cargill area tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease. The disease in humans is caused through the bite of an infected black-legged tick.
Black-legged ticks are very small and hard to see; as small as a poppy seed. They are usually found low to the ground, on tall grass blades or on shrubs. If you find a tick on yourself, remove it with tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. With a steady motion, pull the tick away from your skin, gently but firmly. If you can, save the tick alive in a jar or screw-top bottle and take it to your health care provider or the Grey Bruce Health Unit for testing. When pulling the tick off your skin, avoid crushing its body. Clean your skin after with soap and water.
Protect yourself against tick bites by wearing light-coloured clothing; it makes ticks easier to see and remove before they can attach to feed. Wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt in areas of bush and long grass. Wear closed footwear and socks. Tuck your pants into your socks. Use bug repellent containing DEET.
For further information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.
