Lyme Disease and the Blacklegged Tick

Apr 11, 2018

Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Since the 1990’s, Ontario has seen an increase and expansion of blacklegged tick populations and in the incidence of Lyme Disease, particularly in eastern Ontario. In the rural environment of Perth and District, Lyme disease has become a concern. In order to help us become better prepared, CFUW has invited three speakers to share their expertise regarding ticks and Lyme disease in relation to human health and that of our pets.

“Ticks and Lyme Disease: Know the bug, know the bite, know what to do”

Dr Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health at the Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit will describe the tick that may carry the bacteria which can cause Lyme disease and tell us how to prevent tick bites. We’ll also learn how to recognize a tick bite, and the recommended way to remove a tick. She will conclude with information about the early symptoms of Lyme disease and when to contact a health care provider.

“Lyme disease and your pet.”

Dr Sarah Logan, Perth Veterinary Clinic, will provide a brief overview of what Lyme disease is, the prevalence in the area, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the disease. The focus will be on the impact on you and your pets, particularly dogs, cats and horses. 

"Tick Tock: Time is ticking away for Lyme disease sufferers”

Myrna Lee is a teacher, and the mother of a daughter with Lyme disease. She is also the founder of a support group called “Lanark Fights Lyme”, now expanded to “Ontario Fights Lyme,” dedicated to fighting the spread of Lyme disease as well as providing information, support, advocacy and activism to victims. Myrna will discuss the failures of current federal and provincial legislation to adequately address the way Lyme disease is tested, diagnosed and treated in Canada.

Did you know?

• Ticks are related to spiders.
• Ticks evolved over 120 million years ago.
• Ticks can be found all over the world – except maybe Antarctica.
• Ticks are second only to mosquitoes worldwide in carrying disease.
• Ticks are bloodthirsty because they have to be: their survival depends on drinking blood!
• After a blood meal, an engorged tick may weigh 200 to 600 times more than before eating.

It lurks along blades of grass and hides in low bushes, claws extended. It is hungry, desperate even, for the taste of blood. Like the villain in a grade B horror movie, the black-legged tick is a scary, if tiny, monster. No bigger than a poppy seed when young, the size of a sesame seed as an adult, it waits for its prey, a warm-blooded bird or mammal – quite possibly a human....

Join us at a free public presentation offered to the community by The Perth & District Chapter of The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW). All are welcome.

Monday April 16, 2018

6:30 pm at the Perth Legion, 26 Beckwith Street East.