Warming temperatures are luring people outdoors in the coming weeks, which also means the return of ticks and the threat of tick-borne diseases. Onondaga County is preparing by investing $75,000 into SUNY Upstate's Tick Testing Laboratory. Residents can submit ticks they’ve found on themselves or their pets to see if they’re carrying pathogens like Lyme disease. Rebecca Shultz with the health department told county lawmakers that the lab tested about 220 ticks last year, and 36 percent were carrying a disease.
“Our main concern at this point is Lyme disease, but there are also other tick borne disease pathogens that we are starting to see more of and with the extended tick season," Shultz said. "We've been seeing slightly earlier springs and later falls. That active season for ticks means that they can be out and about and be coming into contact with humans more frequently.”
Deer ticks are most prevalent in Central New York, but the lab is also seeing the larger Lone Star and Dog ticks. All carry different diseases. Residents can take additional protective measures by talking to their doctor about their risk for tick infection. Legislator Brian May said Onondaga county residents pay a reduced rate.
“Thirty-five dollars for peace of mind is a cheap proposition to begin with," May said. "As far as the program has taken that price down is wonderful because I think that increases accessibility tremendously for more people and more inclination to actually have that tick tested.”
There is a $10 option to have the tick only identified and tested for Lyme disease. In addition to the $75,000 dollars for the lab, the county is also setting aside $25,000 for adult and youth tick education workshops hosted by scientists and doctors. Onondaga County lawmakers approved the funding at Tuesday's session.
