News You Can Use
Fight ticks and fleas to prevent disease in pets and their owners
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Kenneth Billings
May 15, 2008
STARKVILLE, Miss.—As warmer weather chases away the last lingering slivers of cooler temperatures, humans and animals aren't the only ones anxious to get out and stretch their legs.
Among creepy crawly things that also are venturing from winter quarters are two most dreaded by pets and owners: fleas and ticks. In addition to sharing a common "ick" factor, these most common of pests can pose health risks to both animals and humans when homes or yards become infested.
Happily, a Mississippi State University veterinarian says, the Magnolia State has few recorded cases of Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which ticks carry, and bubonic plague, whose spread can be due to fleas.
"We don't see these often here in Mississippi but they are spreading, especially Lyme disease," Russak observes. "The most effective way to combat them is to prevent them by taking some no-nonsense steps while outdoors and putting pets on an effective treatment program."
For pet owners working or playing in potential tick areas, he recommends:
- Wearing long-sleeve shirts, and pants that extend below the sock line;
- Taking an additional step to tuck pant cuffs into socks, when possible; and
- Applying insect repellant, with special attention to the cuffs and waistbands of clothing.
While most tick problems are outside, Russak says flea infestation occurs mostly indoors with house pets. Preventing an in-home infestation can be as easy as obtaining a recommended treatment program from the local veterinary clinic.