With the summer months upon us, Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are on the rise in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tick-borne diseases are increasing, with human cases expected to exceed 300,000 annually.
Veterinarian checking horse for signs of disease
Although no Lyme disease vaccine for horses has been approved by the FDA, some veterinary clinics are offering a canine vaccine for use in equines.
In addition to human cases, more horses and companion animals are susceptible to tick bites and Lyme disease
Veterinary experts agree animal owners should be on high alert this year, as the threat of disease expands geographically and companion animals are progressively more at risk of coming into contact with ticks and Lyme disease.
"Although some regions continue to be considered endemic with greater levels of exposure, and some regions have a low risk of exposure, Lyme disease-infected dogs have now been found in all 48 contiguous states.
According to Mike Paul, DVM. "Due to climate change and wildlife coming further into suburban environments, ticks are really a huge problem throughout all of North America. Pet owners need to understand that ticks pose a serious threat."
The CDC has singled out Lyme disease in people as the most common and fastest growing vector-borne, infectious disease in the country. Due to increased numbers of ticks in recent years, Lyme has become a growing concern for veterinary practitioners and animal owners.
"With an increasing number of ticks across the U.S., the very best approach for every dog is prevention. Since there is an effective vaccine for Lyme disease, it is advisable to prevent this disease rather than to rely on treating infected animals," said Carrie White, DVM, DACVIM, Internist at VCA Family Animal Hospital in Pearl City, Hawaii. "Disease prevention can save pets and their owners a great degree of financial and emotional distress."
Although no vaccine for horses has been approved by the FDA, some veterinary clinics are offering a canine vaccine with usage and protocol based on scientific work done at Cornell University. As with all vaccinations, this vaccine will not prevent all cases of Lyme’s disease, but may decrease the risk for your horse.
Learn more about Lyme Disease in Horses