IT’S EZIGAA-TICK SEASON: PREVENTION FOR HUMANS AND OUR PETS
By Maajiitaaziibkwe, Mary Sam
Being surrounded by our woods and brushy land here in Mille Lacs challenges us to do our best to understand and prevent tick-borne illnesses to keep our families and pets free from get ting sick. While ticks come out once it warms up, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources notes that risks for wood and deer tick-related illness increase from mid-May through mid-July, due to the ‘nymph state’ of the deer tick specifically feeding (meaning looking for us and our pets), but lower in early spring and fall, when the adult state of the deer tick is active.
To reduce our anxiety related to tick-borne illnesses it’s important to know the difference between a wood tick and a deer tick. MDH states, “The male deer ticks are smaller and uniformly darker, lacking the red marks seen on females (see the photo). Wood ticks, are larger and have a black lower back with white or grayish patterns. Male wood ticks feature a mottled appearance with gray or whitish markings.”
Preventing tick-borne diseases in humans: (adapted from the MN Department of Natural Resources)
Walk in the center of a trail to avoid picking up ticks from grass and brush.
Wear light-colored clothing so ticks will be more visible.
Wear long pants, socks, or tick gaiters, and closed-toe shoes or boots are strongly encouraged if walking out in the woods or brushy area.
Tuck your pant-legs into socks or boots and tuck long sleeved shirts into pants.
Use a repellent containing DEET or permethrin, and CAREFULLY follow directions on the containers.
After being outdoors, get out of your clothes immediately, do a complete body check, wash your clothes immediately to not spread ticks around your home.
“The risk of getting a tick-borne disease if small if the tick is removed soon after it becomes attached. A tick must remain attached for one to two days to transmit Lyme Disease and about one day for other tick-related diseases.”
Tick Removal: (adapted from the MN Department of Natural Resources.
Don’t panic, prompt removal can prevent illness.
Use a tweezer to grasp the tick close to its mouth.
Gently and SLOWLY pull the tick straight outwork. Don’t squeeze the tick’s body.
Wash the area and apply antiseptic to the bite.
Watch for early signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease and contact your doctor if you are concerned.
To find more information on Lyme Disease signs and Symptoms visit the MN Department of Health website at: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/lyme/index.html
Preventing tick-borne diseases in pets
While both the wood tick and deer ticks can bite your pets, the deer tick bite is more concerning as they can transmit Lyme Disease. Talking to your veterinarian about treatment options can save your pet, and you some heartache in the long run. This might include a topical treatment, collar or vaccination.
Check your pets daily for ticks, especially if they spend time outdoors. Limit the time your pet is in highly populated tick areas, for example in the woods and bushes. If you find a tick, carefully remove it using tweezers and dispose of the tick, by burning it with a match, or putting it in rubbing alcohol.
For local information on pet tick, flea, and heartworm prevention, Band member Li Boyd, from the Anishinaabeg and Awesiinyag Organization can be contacted at 612-655-1449. Li explained the name refers to ‘the people and the animals’ Spring Clinics are provided by The Bond Between. The organization requests a donation of $10.00 to assist with the prevention medications.
Schedule of pet clinics for the year:
Lake Lena – Sunday, April 6 ( Sunday one day). The surgery schedule is full but wellness clinics are walk-in only on a first come-first-served basis.
Meshakwad – Saturday and April 19 and 20 (wellness only) and Sunday, April 27 (surgery only)
Minisinaakwaang – Sunday, May 4 one day only
Chiminising – Saturday, May 17 Wellness only, Sunday, May 18: Surgery only
Urban – Friday, October 17 Wellness and surgery (all nations church)
District I – November 8 and 9: Saturday Surgery and Well ness, Sunday wellness only.
