Posted on by river@illinois.edu

Tick-borne Diseases Can Affect Humans, Wildlife and Pets

By Nelda A. Rivera and Nohra Mateus-Pinilla

“Most tick-borne diseases that affect humans can also affect wildlife, as well as dogs, cats and other domestic animals. However, which animal species will be affected will depend on the specific pathogen the tick vector is carrying.”

Maps showing an estimated 30 percent of serologic results for Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis in dogs and cats. The estimates are for the U.S. and Illinois from January to June 2025. Maps adapted from the Companion Animal Parasite Council website. Adaptation of information for this Illustration courtesy of Dr. Nelda A. Rivera, Wildlife Veterinary Epidemiology Laboratory (INHS-PRI).

If you are interested in learning about the ticks found in Illinois, what diseases they can transmit to humans and your furry friends, as well as how to protect yourself your dogs and cats from tick bites, check the article “Tick-borne Diseases Can Affect Humans, Wildlife and Pets” published in the August edition of the Outdoor Illinois Journal [here].