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The Spread of Lyme Disease
While Lyme disease was once confined to a small
geographic area, this disease is spreading rapidly and
affecting more patients. In humans, the incidence of Lyme
disease has nearly doubled since 1991, with the distribution
of cases also expanding over time.
1
Similar trends are observed in veterinary patients. In the
2022 Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) Pet
Parasite Forecast, they noted that Ixodes scapularis (the
vector of Lyme disease) is continuing to expand its range
southward and westward, increasing the risk of Lyme
disease in many areas of the country.
2
The highest risk of
Lyme disease is still found in the northeastern United States,
but high-risk areas now extend south through coastal South
Carolina and as far west as North Dakota.
2
Additionally,
Lyme disease has now been confirmed in all 50 states,
underscoring the need for all dog owners to be aware of this
condition.
3
The Value of Tick Prevention
Preventing Lyme disease in a high-risk area requires a
two-pronged approach: tick prevention and vaccination.
Consistent messaging throughout your hospital is a key
method for ensuring that owners hear and internalize this
message.
Every patient should receive year-round parasite prevention,
using a product that is approved for the prevention of Ixodes
scapularis. In recent years, unseasonably warm winters
have become more common; it is no longer unusual to see
ticks even during the winter months. Therefore, year-round
prevention is key.
Your entire team should be involved in making parasite
prevention recommendations, providing consistent
messaging from the reception desk to the exam room.
Ensuring that each of your patients is on year-round tick
prevention is an essential component of Lyme disease
prevention.
