April 28, 2008

Spring a good time to vaccinate dogs for Lyme disease prevention

"Lyme disease tends to spread during warm-weather months," says Leon Thacker. "Cases are more prevalent in northern Midwest states and in the northeastern United States, but there are cases reported just about everywhere in the country."

Spring is a good time to vaccinate dogs at greatest risk, Thacker says, because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the spread of Lyme disease is greatest in May, June and July. Dogs as young as 9 weeks can be vaccinated to protect against the disease. Booster shots also are recommended two to three months after the initial shot and then annually.

While Thacker said Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose, dog owners who suspect their pet may have the disease can monitor for common symptoms, which include lameness, sluggishness, loss of appetite and fever.

Sandi Norman, director of companion animals with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, says dogs at highest risk either live or spend time in wooded or rural areas. Lyme disease is usually transmitted in areas that deer frequent. The exact number of animal Lyme disease cases is unknown because there is no reporting requirement.

While humans cannot contract the illness from dogs, Lyme disease can be spread by ticks carried on dogs.

Writer: Dave Kitchell, (765) 496-9711, dkitchell@purdue.edu

Sources:   Leon Thacker, (765) 494-7460, thackerl@purdue.edu

Sandi Norman, (317) 227-0323

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

To the News Service home page