Canada's tick population is on the rise, and it's not just because of warmer winters. Biologist Vett Lloyd, an expert in tick-borne diseases, explains that climate change, land use changes, and the introduction of new tick species are all contributing factors. Lloyd's research focuses on detecting new pathogens in local tick populations and developing a rapid Lyme disease test. She discusses the impact of climate change on tick survival, the role of land use changes in supporting tick populations, and the increasing occurrence of tick-borne diseases like Lyme and a red meat allergy caused by tick saliva. Lloyd's lab is working on rapid Lyme diagnosis methods and provides practical advice for Canadians to protect themselves from ticks this summer, including the use of bug repellents, clothing treatments, and vaccines for pets.
