Area residents and local veterinarians reporting tick findings have helped shape an interactive map of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island and Amherst proved to be actively reporting its findings.
As of November 2017, the border town lead Cumberland County in reporting its tick findings to researchers at Mount Allison University and the Geospatial Modelling Lab over the five-year period researchers collected data for the website www.maritimetickmaps.ca.
Of the 18 ticks reported so far, 15 were the ixodes scapularis variety – also known as deer ticks or black-legged ticks, reputed for carrying the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, nausea, jaw pain, light sensitivity, red eyes, muscle aches and neck stiffness.
Two of those reported tick findings tested positive.
Wentworth followed Amherst for reporting ticks, with 13 being brought to the attention of researchers who later determined one specimen was infected with the Borrelia bacteria.
Malagash had four ticks reported, two containing the bacteria, while between Pugwash and Tidnish another eight were reported, two of which were positive.
For reasons of privacy, the locations of the reported ticks were approximations to within one-kilometre of where they were found.
By the numbers
• Amherst, 18 ticks reported, 2 positive for Borrelia
• Wentworth, 13 reported, 1 positive
• Malagash, 4 reported, 2 positive
• Pugwash, 2 reported, none positive
• Mount Pleasant, 1 reported, not positive
• River Philip, 1 reported, positive
• Oxford, 2 reported, 1 positive
• Advocate, 1 reported, negative
• Parrsboro, 1 reported, negative
• Tidnish to North Port, 6 reported, 2 positive
To report a tick and have it tested for the Lyme disease-causing bacteria Borrelia, visit www.lloydticklab.ca/submit-your-ticks.html for instructions and options.
