Question #10
Do all deer ticks carry Lyme disease?
No, they must first feed on an animal carrying the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease such as the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus).
When a deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) first hatches from the egg, it does not have Lyme disease causing bacteria in its system. However, if at any point in its life cycle, it feeds on an animal carrying the bacteria, it can then potentially pass it on to humans the next time it feeds.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, in Minnesota, about 30% of adult deer ticks ticks and 20% deer tick nymphs is infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Post by C. Fisher
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