Lyme disease is now migrating around and will soon make its way to Canada by form of song sparrows, wrens, red-winged blackbirds, and warblers. Canadians wanted to know more about Lyme disease coming to their area so they did some research. By looking at rates of Lyme disease in dogs in the United States, they can use it to predict Lyme disease in other areas as well. After studying Lyme disease cases in more than 80,000 dogs, they noticed it is certainly moving up north. They also noticed that many of the cases were found on the coast line. It turns out birds have been dispersing ticks. Researchers then began finding ticks in bird species. Warmer climates have also been linked to these ticks surviving in places they wouldn't have normally survived. This is so interesting and scary to think that Lyme disease can become an epidemic if not contained properly. It is good that researchers are doing studies on their trends and keeping a close eye. They seem to also be doing what they can to clean them of the disease.
References: Pfeiffer, M. (2018). How migratory birds are moving Lyme disease to new places and peoples. Retrieved from http://www.ehn.org/migratory-birds-are-moving-lyme-disease-to-new-places-and-peoples-2561494303.html
This is really interesting. I did not know lyme disease can travel by birds, which means it can spread to many areas. Global warming is really affecting our environment and causing so unforeseen circumstances. I am glad that measures are being taken to prevent it from getting worst.
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ReplyDeleteWow, I had no idea birds could carry ticks. And the fact that they can spread lyme disease is really scary since they have the ability to fly every where. I am really glad Canadians are keeping a close eye on bird migrations and the incidences of the disease. It is very important to maintain the health and well-being of populations without exposure to a disease.
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