07/29/2025
You may have heard of a new (to this area) tick borne disease in the news lately- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). So far cases in Ontario seem to be clustered around Long Point (coast of Lake Erie) but this is still a new and developing situation.
RMSF is carried by the American Dog Tick in this area, the first tick borne disease that we have recognized these ticks to carry. Until now, our main concern has been with black legged ticks (aka deer ticks) as they are the carriers of Lyme Disease- another disease that can affect both our pets and humans.
As you will see in the article, RMSF can present in a number of different ways. If your dog is feeling unwell it is important to let your veterinarian know if you have been to Long Point or other high tick areas and if there has been any attached ticks that you have removed from your dog (the same goes for humans too- if you have any attached ticks, please contact your human health professional).
Using monthly tick control is important as is checking your pet and yourself after spending time outdoors.
Our emerging concerns about Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in Long Point, Ontario, have led to a variety of questions from veterinarians and dog
