Lyme Disease Update (April 2011)

Last year Yale researchers discovered that birds can spread this serious disease. This year the Center for Disease Control (CDC) came out with statistics showing that Lyme Disease is on the increase in the Northeast in PEOPLE. Many of these cases come from ticks being brought into owners homes by their pet dogs. Ticks are the primary vector for spreading Lyme Disease to dogs, horses, people , and other animals. The ticks acquire the disease-causing bacteria by feeding on infected rodents and deer. But now, the latest evidence points to common birds, such as robins and blue jays, are also reservoirs of this disease, and they can carry ticks long distances right into your own backyard. Lyme Disease is on the increase on Long Island and the rest of the country. Some suspect Global Warming. We had over 70 positive cases in dogs in the Locust Valley/Glen Cove and surrounding areas in 2010, and this year we are already diagnosing it in dogs that tested negative last year. Some of this can be attributed to the “Indian Summers” we have experienced this winter with temperatures in the high 60’s in March. Lyme Disease can be a very complex and serious disease if not caught early. It can result in painful lameness, chronic joint problems, serious kidney disease and neurological problems. The most effective way to protect your dog is by vaccination. The vaccine induces the body to produce antibodies against the bacteria in the tick and locks the bacteria inside the tick. So the vaccine actually works within the tick, not the dog. These are unique vaccines known as Recombinant Vaccines, and are considered “genetically engineered wonders of modern science.” They contain only a single protein which virtually eliminates all adverse reactions. In addition, monthly applications of tick/flea products to the skin are now recommended all year long instead of just the warmer months, because of the increasing threat to humans. These products kill ticks within 24 hours which is less time the tick needs to transmit the disease to the dog or human. Daily brushing and combing are not enough as the tick is so small it is usually missed.