Deer Ticks and Lyme Disease in Animals

The deer tick, also known as the blacklegged tick, is considered to be the primary carrier of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. Deer ticks pass this illness to humans and other animals.

As their name implies, adult deer ticks prefer to feed on deer. However, they are capable of infesting other livestock, including cattle and horses. Nymphal and larval deer ticks choose small animals, such as white-footed mice, as hosts. Because they dwell near the skin of the host, they are often masked by the affected animal's hair and are not easily detectable. Lyme disease is transmitted during a bite, but symptoms usually appear later.

Deer Ticks

Life Cycle of a Deer Tick

Female Deer Tick

Deer Tick Identification

Size of the Deer Tick

Deer Tick Bite

Deer Tick Removal

Where are Deer Ticks Located

Brown Deer Tick

Difference between Deer Ticks and Wood Ticks

Difference between Deer Ticks and Western Black-legged Ticks