With the peak of the tick season about to be upon us, it is important to learn all you can about ticks in Pennsylvania and why it is so critical to be aware of the dangers they can present.
Within the borders of Pennsylvania, most folks know about the “deer tick,” but actually, there are 25 different species of ticks present throughout the state, and each can present its own problems. The four that are most prevalent are the deer tick (also referred to as the Eastern black-legged tick), the brown dog tick, the lone star tick, and the Asian long-horned tick.
The deer or black-legged tick has been identified in every U.S. state except Hawaii. Within the U.S., the deer tick is most prevalent in the Northeast and is found throughout Pennsylvania. This tick may carry several tick-borne diseases, with the most well-known being Lyme disease. The lifespan of a deer tick is two years, which begins in the spring when adult ticks lay their eggs, which hatch in early summer. Throughout the summer, these larvae feed on birds and other small mammals. Between spring and fall of the next year, they grow into adults and seek larger hosts such as deer, moose, and bears. The following spring, the females lay their eggs and then die.
In the adult life stage, only female ticks transmit disease since male ticks are not known to feed on blood. Tick bites are a threat throughout the year. While spring, summer, and fall are peak deer tick seasons, they may feed anytime the temperature is above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
If an individual contracts the tick-borne Lyme disease, symptoms typically occur 3-30 days after the bite, and 70-80% of individuals will experience a rash around the site of infection that may resemble a bullseye mark. Flu-like symptoms are common and may include headaches, fatigue, chills, fever, and muscle and joint aches. A two-part test can help a Doctor diagnose any possible Lyme disease infection, and there is a CDC-recommended treatment. Incidentally, Pennsylvania has for some years been the state with the highest number of reported cases of Lyme disease.
The lone star tick was originally discovered in Texas and Missouri but has now spread throughout the U.S. and can be found throughout Pennsylvania. Diseases most often carried by the lone star tick are Rocky Mountain spotted fever and red meat allergy. The symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever are similar to those produced by Lyme disease, but left untreated can lead to much more serious and even life-threatening consequences for humans. A bite from the lone star tick can yield in humans Alpha-gel syndrome (AGS), which is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic condition. Also called red meat allergy, AGS occurs after an infectious bite from a lone star tick and that person eats red meat, or is exposed to other alpha-gel products. A severe allergic reaction can include anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that must be treated immediately with epinephrine. A bite from the lone star tick can cause people to develop an allergy to red meat, including venison, beef, and pork. It is possible that the allergy can go away if you avoid any red meat for a period of several years.
The Brown dog tick does not transmit Lyme disease but can carry the pathogen that causes tularemia, as well as a variety of other pathogens that can cause disease in pets.
The Asian long-horned tick is invasive in Pennsylvania and has been recovered in central and eastern counties while it continues to spread throughout the state. It has been recovered primarily from deer, sheep, cattle, and domestic pets and people. This tick is not a significant factor for disease pathogens of dogs and cats. While it can carry several diseases, it’s most significant in the blood loss and sometimes death in calves, a decrease in milk production in cows, and a decrease in wool quantity and quality in sheep.
Tick season stretches from May until November, with a peak period of mid-August to November, but as long as the ground is dry and free of ice, most tick species can be active.
Ticks are nothing to mess around with.
If you experience tick bite symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your Doctor. Get outside and enjoy all of the benefits of the Great Outdoors; just be aware of the dangers of ticks and treat any threats of tick bites seriously.
