Lyme Disease Numbers 10 Times Higher Than Previously Reported Says CDC, Protect Yourself and Your Pets

MINNEAPOLIS – On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released an estimate of the number of people diagnosed with Lyme disease each year and their new estimate is 10 times higher than previously reported.

While the CDC’s newest numbers estimate the number of Americans diagnosed with Lyme disease each year is approximately 300,000 people, veterinarians from BluePearl Veterinary Partners want to remind people that their pets are susceptible to Lyme disease as well.

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that is carried and transmitted by ticks.

Lyme disease can cause fatigue, fever, joint pain, kidney damage, lethargy, loss of appetite, neurologic disorders and trouble walking. Lyme disease is treatable, but as with most problems, the sooner it is caught, the better. If left untreated, it is potentially fatal.

Here are some things BluePearl doctors recommend to ensure your pet is protected:

• Talk with your veterinarian about vaccinating your pet against Lyme disease.

• Talk with your veterinarian about the best way to prevent fleas and ticks from latching on to your pet.

• They may suggest an oral medication where your pet is simply given a pill once a month or they may encourage spot-on medications, medicated shampoos, powders, tick dips or tick collars.

• Try to keep your pets indoors as much as possible and have your yard and home treated.

• Inspect your pet for ticks if they have been outside near wooded areas.

• If a tick is found, take tweezers and remove the tick as close to the body of the pet as possible, trying to get the head of the tick out.

• Keep an eye on your pet and look out for any changes in behavior.

• If your pet is not acting right, take him or her to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

According to data provided by the CDC, Lyme disease is found throughout the continental U.S. but is found more heavily in the Midwest and eastern U.S.

According to the CDC, 96% of Lyme disease cases in the U.S. were reported from Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.

About BluePearl Veterinary Partners

Formed in 2008, BluePearl Veterinary Partners employs more than 1,350 people including more than 350 veterinarians. BluePearl hospitals offer referral-only services. BluePearl does not provide primary care. The company is one of the world’s principal providers of approved veterinary residency and internship programs. BluePearl also participates in clinical trials that investigate the effectiveness of new veterinary drugs and treatments, providing pet families access to cutting-edge medicine that is not yet commercially available. BluePearl is headquartered in Tampa, Fla.