Climate change is causing ticks to move into new regions in southern Canada, with experts predicting their continued spread. Disease-carrying ticks were not a concern in Canada until the 1990s, but now various species are migrating north from the United States at a speed of 35 to 55 kilometers annually. According to Katie Clow, an assistant professor at the University of Guelph, areas in southern Canada currently unaffected by ticks are likely to see their emergence in the next decade.
The first appearance of Lyme disease in southern Ontario in 1989, transmitted by blacklegged ticks, marked the beginning of their spread across Canada. These ticks, which can also transmit the Powassan virus in rare cases, have now established themselves in every province, including Alberta and Saskatchewan, where dog ticks are more common but can also pose health risks.
Canada now hosts over 40 tick species, some of which pose significant health threats. The lone star tick, known for causing red meat allergies in humans, has been spotted in small numbers in Canada. Additionally, the Asian longhorned tick, which can harm cattle, is moving northward in the U.S., raising concerns among Canadian farmers.
Researchers express that the increasing presence of ticks in Canada is not surprising given climate change patterns. Ticks are brought into the country by migratory birds and animals like deer and rodents. The warmer summers and earlier springs resulting from climate change provide ideal conditions for tick feeding and reproduction, allowing them to survive and multiply.
The rise in tick populations has led to a year-round problem in some areas, especially in suburbs where forest fragmentation has facilitated tick proliferation. Negar Elmieh, a scientist at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, emphasizes that while weather patterns can impact tick populations, the long-term trend shows a consistent increase in tick numbers. She attributes this rise to animal migration patterns influenced by climate change.
It is becoming the “new norm” for Canadians to encounter more ticks, prompting the need for increased precautions during outdoor activities. Recommendations include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and regularly checking for ticks after being outdoors. Implementing preventive measures such as maintaining clear pathways and landscaping can help reduce tick populations in residential areas.
