Are Deadly Tick and Mosquito Borne Diseases in Your Area Right Now?
Did you know that diseases like heartworm, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis are on the rise in dogs and cats across the United States? These illnesses are caused by tiny pathogens carried by ticks and mosquitoes. The risk of these diseases is influenced by many factors, including where you live, how you care for your pets, and changes in the environment.
Factors like climate change, urban growth, and the movement of animals and people are making these diseases more common. But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to keep your furry friends safe.
Ticks and mosquitoes are the main culprits when it comes to spreading these diseases. From 2004 to 2016, the number of people affected by tick and mosquito-borne diseases tripled! To protect your pets, it’s important to prevent them from coming into contact with these bugs. You can do this by using products that repel and kill ticks and mosquitoes. It’s also a good idea to give your pets heartworm prevention medicine all year round.
Here’s what you need to know about some of the worst diseases:
Lyme Disease:
Lyme disease is spread by ticks and can affect both humans and animals. The risk of Lyme disease is spreading to new areas, so it’s not just a problem in the Northeast and Upper Midwest United States anymore. The best way to protect your pets is to use tick prevention products and check for ticks regularly, even if you’re not in a traditional Lyme disease area.
Heartworm Infection:
Heartworm is a serious disease that affects the heart and lungs of dogs. It’s spread by mosquitoes. The risk is high in certain parts of the country, like along the Mississippi River and the Atlantic coast. Make sure your pets are on regular heartworm prevention medication, especially if you live in these areas.
Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis
These diseases (caused by different types of bacteria) are also transmitted by ticks and can make your pets sick. The risk is increasing in many regions, so it’s important to use tick prevention products, check your pets for ticks, and have them tested regularly if you live in these areas.
To help you stay informed, there are tools available that predict the risk of these diseases in your area. For example you can use the Parasite Prevelance Maps from the Companion Animal Parasite Council here. These tools use information about weather, the number of positive tests, and other factors to give you an idea of how common these diseases might be where you live.
Remember, the key to keeping your pets healthy is prevention. By using tick and mosquito prevention products and staying informed about the risks in your area, you can help keep your furry friends safe from these nasty diseases.
