Tick season, warmer weather sparks fears about Lyme disease spread in Canada
CTV
The surge in Canada's tick population is linked to recent changes in our climate, according to Mount Allison University biology professor Vett Lloyd.
The surge in Canada's tick population is linked to recent changes in our climate, according to Mount Allison University biology professor Vett Lloyd.
“The ticks are quite happy with the mild winters that are happening in the Maritimes and across Canada,” Lloyd said.
Tick-borne illnesses are a major health concern as Statistics Canada reported more than 8,000 cases of Lyme disease in the country from 2021 to 2023.
Donna Lugar spent years battling Lyme disease symptoms before she was properly diagnosed.
“I was lying in bed in the dark because I had a light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, sense sensitivity, digestive issue, hearing issues and vision issues," said Lugar. "Everything was going on back then.“
Lugar, who now works as a Lyme disease ambassador and advocate, is urging all Canadians to check their bodies closely after being outdoors.
"We need to be taking preventative measures daily," she said, adding there are basic steps to stay tick-free.
