The Lyme Disease Alert Network (LDAN) has been tracking the progress of canine Lyme disease as cases are confirmed across the country. Recent data from local veterinary clinics indicate that canine Lyme disease was detected in the Chicago area.
The LDAN is notifying veterinary clinics throughout the Chicago area about the presence of the disease. Dogs act as sentinels to Lyme disease because they are 50 to 100 times more likely than humans to contract the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It is the LDAN's mission to collaborate closely with veterinarians and pet owners to recognize, test and treat Lyme disease in pets before it becomes a major health and safety issue for other family members.
Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria in the gut of deer and western black-legged deer ticks. The disease is spread when ticks carrying the bacteria feed on people and animals. Recently, the reach of the disease has expanded dramatically in conjunction with the exploding deer and mouse populations across the country. The best thing pet owners can do is test their dogs on a yearly basis to determine whether they or family members are going to be at risk for Lyme disease, too. |
