Send "Uptick" In Ticks Has Wildlife Experts Worried

Posted: 7:53 PM Apr 2, 2012
Reporter: Tim Wronka

Tick Impact

Warmer than normal weather means a summer time threat is already coming out early: ticks. With ticks, of course can come lyme disease and that has wildlife experts worried.

Veteranarians at the Virginia Wildlife Center in Waynesboro are seeing something ticks in early in April which is rare.

"Everything is about three weeks ahead of schedule. So we've been seeing them on baby bunnies, we have bear yearlings that are coming in, they are just covered in ticks," says Miranda Sadar, a vet at the center.

They're even seeing ticks on the birds coming in and that's also rare.The main reason is the mild Valley winter left a lot of ticks alive.

"With the winter being warm and they just didn't have that nice little cold snap that they need to put some of them out of commission," Sadar said.

With concern over ticks comes worry of lyme disease. Some doctors are worried this could be a bad year for that. There are several symptoms to look out for including rash, fever, achiness, and joint pain.

If you're hiking or camping, doctors say to wear boots and pants. Most importantly, always do a tick check.

"I still find ticks on me, even with bug spray. Even with all the precautions being made, still taking a look and stuff and making sure you don't have anything crawling on you or trying to imbed," Sadar said.

Sadar also says don't just tick-check yourself. Make sure you check your pets, like dogs, if they're outside a lot or you walk them.

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