Ticks and Lyme Disease: Radio Interview with Dr. Jade Savage

She explains that the occurrence of tick season highly depends on temperature and snow cover, which can vary each year. The rise in modern tick activity is not just a matter of time but also due ecosystem conditions, which determine tick populations.

The eTick Platform was launched to bridge the gap between public health surveillance work and access to information for the general public. Before the website, identifying and testing ticks was a lengthy process involving multiple steps. The platform allows for faster, more direct access to information, particularly with the rise of citizen science and smartphones. The platform is available nationwide, and each province receives tailored information based on the specific species of ticks found in that region.

According to the data on the eTick.ca website, ticks are found primarily in Ontario, but their distribution is spreading across Canada, especially in southern regions. Dr. Savage noted that the black-legged tick, responsible for Lyme disease, is moving northward and westward, with notable increases in Alberta. She emphasized that not all ticks carry Lyme disease, and many species are not medically relevant.

How does eTick works? To submit a tick, individuals can use the eTick.ca website or download the app, available for both Android and Apple devices. Quality images of the tick, especially a clear dorsal view, are critical for accurate identification. The process is quick, and users can expect identification within 10 hours, though sometimes it may take one business day. Once a tick is identified, the person who submitted it will receive specific information about the tick species and its medical relevance. For example, if a black-legged tick is identified, individuals will be informed about Lyme disease and potential preventative measures. The platform provides tailored advice for each province, as guidelines for post-exposure treatment vary across regions.

Dr. Savage introduced a new feature on the eTick.ca website, called “Tick Tool,” which offers information on prevention, including tips on how to protect oneself from ticks. This tool will eventually include interactive quizzes to help individuals evaluate their current prevention strategies.

Listen to the radio interview here: Grapevine Monday | 99.3 County FM starting at the timestamp 39min56s.

Joannie St-Germain M.Sc. (she/her/elle)
RESEARCH OFFICER
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES
819-822-9600 x 2242