Identifying Ixodes scapularis

Lyme disease is known to be transmitted by Ixodes scapularis ticks (blacklegged tick/deer tick) that carry the Lyme bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi).

Transmission is during the nymphal or adult stages but more commonly the small nymphs because they are smaller and therefore avoid detection. The risk of disease is 1-3% if one is in an endemic area.

The risk of infection increases with the time the tick has been attached

(higher if > 36 hours or tick is engorged), however this time cannot be determined with precision by most patients.

Dog and groundhog ticks do NOT carry and transmit Lyme disease.

Patients can submit ticks to Ottawa Public Health for speciation. Appointments can be made by phone or email.

Phone
311 OR (613) 580-6744 ext. 26301

Email
healthsante@ottawa.ca

Testing ticks for B. burgdorferi is only for surveillance purposes and not for clinical management due to long turn-around time and possible false negative results.