The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) has released its 2023 Parasite Forecast, highlighting an expanding risk of Lyme disease due to the geographical spread of black-legged ticks. Pets and their owners are at increased risk as ticks venture beyond historically affected areas in the Northeast and Upper Midwest.
Read More
The report underscores a significant rise in Lyme disease threats, particularly in northeastern Tennessee, western Michigan, and Ohio, as well as anticipated high-risk areas in northwestern Michigan and southern Ohio. CAPC indicates that the trend is moving south and west, with greater risk also noted in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, and eastern Kentucky. Notably, the disease is also making its way into southern regions of Canada, including Ontario and New Brunswick, following increased detection in Canadian dogs.
Dr. Christopher Carpenter, CEO of CAPC, stated, "Because of the zoonotic potential of pathogens like Lyme disease, we started providing annual forecasts eleven years ago to alert communities about the risks they pose to people and pets." The organization stresses the importance of annual testing and year-round protection for pets as crucial measures against tick-borne diseases.
The 2023 forecast was informed by research that links land use, human population growth, urbanization, and wildlife changes to the increased prevalence of both ticks and Lyme disease. The annual predictions are the result of ongoing collaboration among parasitologists and statisticians across leading U.S. academic institutions, who analyze various environmental factors such as temperature and rainfall.
In addition to Lyme disease, CAPC is forecasting the continued spread of heartworm disease and other tick-borne infections such as ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis throughout the U.S. The organization encourages effective management strategies, including preventive measures and annual testing, to address the rising prevalence of these parasites.
Pet owners can access CAPC’s 30-Day Parasite Forecast Maps to monitor local parasite activity. These tools provide crucial monthly updates to help mitigate the risks posed to pets and humans alike. CAPC remains committed to promoting effective practices in parasite management to safeguard both animal and public health.