UConn Extension issues new fact sheet: Protecting people and animals from tick-borne diseases

Ticks at the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory on July 21, 2017. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

UConn Extension has released a new fact sheet, Protecting People and Animals from Tick-Borne Diseases, providing up-to-date, science-based guidance for Connecticut residents on reducing the risks posed by ticks. The publication, co-authored by Sara Tomis (UConn Extension) along with Maureen Sims, Zeinab Helal, and Holly McGinnis (Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory), takes a One Health approach to understanding human, animal, and environmental risk factors.

Ticks in Connecticut present a real and growing public health concern. Common species in the state include the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), and the emergent Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) in coastal zones.

Over the past five years, the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory has processed thousands of tick submissions; the most frequently detected pathogen in deer ticks was Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterial agent of Lyme disease. The fact sheet outlines a number of tick-borne illnesses present in the region, their associated vectors, and symptoms, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Borrelia miyamotoi disease, Powassan virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and the emerging alpha-gal syndrome.

Below is a summary of key prevention recommendations drawn from the fact sheet, for humans, pets, and landowners.

Key Recommendations & Tips to Avoid Tick-Borne Diseases

For People

Dress for protection. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, tuck pant legs into socks, and stay on clear paths when hiking or walking in woody or grassy areas.
Use EPA-registered tick repellent. Treat clothing and exposed skin with products labeled for ticks.
Clothing hygiene. After outdoor activity, immediately wash clothes in hot water and dry on high heat; high-temperature drying can kill hiding ticks.
Shower + tick check. Bathe soon after returning indoors, and carefully inspect your entire body for ticks, especially in warm, hidden areas (armpits, behind knees, scalp, groin, ears).
Safe tick removal. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to your skin and pull upward steadily—do not twist or squeeze the tick’s body. Do not burn or smother the tick.
Store the tick, monitor symptoms. After removal, place the tick in a sealed container (e.g. zip-lock bag) on a damp paper towel, refrigerate or freeze if you intend to have it tested. Wash the bite area, and contact your doctor if symptoms (such as rash, fever, fatigue, joint pain) emerge.
Tick testing. If you choose to have a tick tested, UConn’s CVMDL provides submission instructions and options.

For Pets, Livestock & Other Animals

Ask your veterinarian about year-round tick prevention for dogs and cats (e.g. topical or oral preventives) and, where applicable, a Lyme vaccine.
Limit your animals’ exposure to tick-prone areas (undisturbed brush, tall grass, leaf piles).
After outdoor time, inspect animals thoroughly for ticks, removing any promptly using tweezers.
For livestock and horses, coordinate with your veterinarian to apply tick-control approaches (e.g. permethrin-based fly/tick products) responsibly.
Monitor animals for signs of tick-borne illness (fever, lethargy, appetite loss, joint pain) even when no tick is seen.

For Landowners & Property Managers

Mow lawns regularly. Keep grass shorter than about 3 inches.
Clear brush and leaf litter. Remove or thin vegetation especially along lawn edges and near wooded areas.
Barrier landscapes. Use gravel, mulch, or substrate buffers between lawn and woods; plant deer-resistant native species instead of invasive species like Japanese barberry or garlic mustard, which tend to harbor ticks.
Pasture management. Locate paddocks away from forest edges, mow fence lines, reduce shrubs in pasture areas.

Discover our Vintage Merritt Parkway & Wilbur Cross Parkway merch—tees, hoodies, totes, mugs, and more. Free USA shipping!

“Preventing tick-borne illness requires coordinated action across human, animal, and environmental health,” said Sara Tomis of UConn Extension. She emphasized that Connecticut residents spend time outdoors year-round, and these steps can meaningfully reduce risks of infection.

State public health authorities continue to report rising numbers of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in Connecticut and across New England. The presence of the Asian longhorned tick in coastal counties further underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive prevention.

The full fact sheet Protecting People and Animals from Tick-Borne Diseases is freely available online via UConn Extension’s publication portal.

UConn Extension delivers research-based education and services across Connecticut in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, health, and youth development through UConn 4-H. UConn Extension is committed to supporting public health and environmental stewardship across the state.

Don’t miss

• Real Art Ways hosts Pizza: A Love Story, a film screening on October 10
• Learn to cook this fall with AMG Catering & Events
• Northfield releases new single “Take Me Out” ahead of debut album Lost and Found

••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

Party like it’s Y2K in Fairfield

Party like it’s 2000! This dance party at Fairfield Theatre Company will be packed with all your favorite 2000s anthems that you’ll be screaming at the top of your lungs. Step into The Warehouse with MC Paul Herman and immerse yourself in the sounds of the new millennium — when Outkast, Kesha, Beyoncé, Nelly, and Justin Timberlake ruled the charts,

Click here to purchase tickets

Learn to cook this fall with AMG Catering

AMG Catering and Events in Wilton, Connecticut, is offering a fall series of cooking classes designed to celebrate seasonal flavors and global cuisine. Each class combines hands-on instruction with perfectly paired beverages, from wine and beer to creative cocktails, as participants learn to prepare a variety of savory and sweet dishes. From autumn-inspired comfort foods to festive holiday treats, these classes provide an interactive, fun experience for home cooks of all skill levels. Join AMG this fall to sharpen your culinary skills, explore new flavors, and enjoy delicious meals in a vibrant, social setting. Click here for more information.

Connecticut Merch

Celebrate Connecticut nostalgia with our Vintage Merritt Parkway and Wilbur Cross Parkway collection! Honoring the classic exit numbers, these designs pay tribute to the iconic parkways that connect communities across the state. Explore a variety of items including T-shirts, hoodies, crewnecks, mugs, tote bags, decorative pillows, and blankets, all with free shipping. Perfect for Connecticut residents, collectors, and road trip lovers who want to showcase their state pride. Each piece captures a timeless piece of local history while adding style to your wardrobe or home.

Vintage Merritt Parkway Exits
Exit 27 • Exit 28 • Exit 29 • Exit 31 • Exit 33 • Exit 34 • Exit 35 • Exit 36 • Exit 37 • Exit 38 • Exit 39 • Exit 40 • Exit 41 • Exit 42 • Exit 44 • Exit 46 • Exit 47 • Exit 48 • Exit 49 • Exit 50 • Exit 51 • Exit 52 • Exit 53 • Exit 54

Vintage Wilbur Cross Parkway
Exit 55 • Exit 55B • Exit 56 • Exit 57 • Exit 58 • Exit 59 • Exit 60 • Exit 61 • Exit 62 • Exit 63 • Exit 64 • Exit 65 • Exit 66• Exit 67 • Exit 68N-E • Exit 68W

Your ad here

The Message Center on Finding Connecticut appears on every post across the site, giving your message maximum exposure to a statewide audience. Whether you’re promoting an event, business, product, or service, your message will be seen by thousands of engaged readers exploring Connecticut content every day. Placement runs monthly, making it an ideal option for consistent visibility without the need for daily management. With prominent positioning and a streamlined setup process, the Message Center offers an affordable, effective way to get your message in front of locals—right where they’re already paying attention. Reserve your spot today to get noticed. Click here for more information on Message Center ads. Click here for more advertising opportunities.

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater

Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media

Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods celebrates November with All Star Sumo, John Legend & a season like no other

ICYMI: Our top 5 visited stories of the week

UConn Extension issues new fact sheet: Protecting people and animals from tick-borne diseases