Split: Split: For Hope and Steve – Page 27

Keymaster

Hi Hope,
I use the CAPC Parasite Prevalence Maps to determine in general what tick diseases are active in locations. I get that information mailed to me each month about my state, my county and my surrounding counties. This information is collected through REPORTED cases from vet clinics and doesn’t reflect cases that have not been reported. They advise “The data in this update and in our maps was provided by IDEXX Laboratories, and ANTECH Diagnostics. It is statistically significant and it serves as a strong representation of the parasite activity for each area. However, it does not represent the total number of positive tests. Instead, we estimate it represents less than 30% of the activity in the geographic regions. Stay tuned as we send you updates for your area! ”

I think I can assume you are located in Louisiana near the coast? Checking that map for you indicates a very high rate of reported cases of heartworm disease in the state. While some counties may appear to have less reports, this usually occurs because vets in those counties may not test at all or use a different lab to test with. I don’t think mosquitoes or ticks honor county lines ;-}

There are some hotspots of roundworm and hookworm along the southern coastline.

Lyme disease is apparently less reported in the state, with a few counties showing a high rate of reports.

Ehrliciosis seems to be more prevalent in the northern area of the state, but there are enough reports of positives near the coastline to be concerned. This particular tick disease is very dangerous and can literally cause AIHA.

Anaplasmosis seems to follow the same trend of Ehrliciosis, it appears spotty but has some higher incidents in a few counties. This is another disease that can impact the circulatory system.

So for each report it indicates that there are major tick diseases, parasites and Lyme disease in Louisiana. So exposure is possible.

Prevention is the best way to protect against tick diseases and mosquito disease such as Lyme. Counting on being observant and finding them is nearly impossible. Some ticks can be very tiny and be missed easily and mosquitoes are SBD. I know this because I missed a tick on Willie earlier this year before the weather had warmed over 50 degrees here in upstate NY! We had to treat, assuming that he had been exposed. It was a lengthy treatment and very expensive.

I would suggest, after you have made preparations to prevent exposure, is to take him to the vets approx. 6 weeks after the trip and have the vet do a SNAP 4DX test which will test for everything I mentioned (except the worms). This will cost no more than $45 and will take a tiny blood draw and the yes/no results will be ready in 8 min.

Have a wonderful visit with your family!
my best
patrice

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