Region warns blacklegged tick population expanding as 1 found in King

Finding blacklegged ticks in spring, fall indicates they are becoming established, region says

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 7, 2017
By Ali Raza

A blacklegged tick has been found in King and York Region Public Health says tick populations are expanding.

This tick was found in Joker's Hill, and was part of the region's active tick surveillance program for the year, which included tests in the spring as well.

Ticks found through the fall surveillance program were sent to the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg to determine if they carry the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that can cause Lyme disease, said York Region medical officer of health Dr. Karim Kurji.

"York Region Public Health reminds residents and their families to take the appropriate precautions to protect themselves, as ticks can be active during colder months when temperatures are above freezing and there is no snow."

In 2017, blacklegged ticks have been found in the north tract of the York Regional Forest in Whitchurch-Stouffville, Joker's Hill in King, and Boyd and Kortright conservation areas in Vaughan.

Finding blacklegged ticks in the spring and fall indicates they are becoming established, the region says. As tick populations expand, it's possible they could be present outside of the areas identified by the region.

For more information, visit york.ca/lymedisease.