Ticks may seem rare in the region, but they could be picked up on you and your pets now that the temperature is warmer.
The pests are active in any temperature above four degrees, but registered veterinary technician with the Fort McMurray Animal Hospital Elizabeth Wall said they’re not any less or more active based on the temperature.
Wall said that it’s important to check your pets for the pests, especially after being in the bush.
“A tick is an external parasite that can be a vector for harmful diseases such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.”
She added that some of the diseases carried by ticks can be transferred to humans.
While only one or two have been brought in the the animal hospital this year, Wall said she has seen at least one come back positive for disease.
When checking your pet for ticks, she suggested looking in the areas of the body that tend to be warmer like the ears, groin, armpits and tucked under the tail.
If you find a tick it’s important to bring it to your vet to be tested by the Alberta Surveillance Program.
The program is free and is used to monitor where ticks are located and what diseases they may be carrying.
If you’re uncomfortable removing the tick yourself, Wall said you can bring your pet to have it safely removed for free.
In 2016, one tick from Fort McMurray was submitted to the program and tested positive for the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease.
