TORONTO: Pet owners are being advised to take extra precautions after cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) were confirmed in animals that visited Long Point. Grand Erie Public Health has specifically urged pet owners to exercise increased caution when removing ticks from their pets.
The health unit emphasized that if left untreated, RMSF can pose a life-threatening risk to both humans and animals. Like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a bacterial illness transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.
The disease is carried by several tick species, including the American Dog Tick, Brown Dog Tick, and Rocky Mountain Wood Tick. Symptoms in affected individuals can include fever, headache, muscle pain, and a distinctive rash. Without prompt medical intervention, the infection can lead to severe health complications and, in some cases, even death.
Pet owners are encouraged to regularly check their animals for ticks, especially after spending time outdoors in wooded or grassy areas. If a tick is found, it should be removed carefully and promptly. Any pet showing symptoms consistent with RMSF should be taken to a veterinarian immediately
