Updated
Updated · KRDO · Jun 8
Colorado Experts Project 10%-20% Rise in Tick Cases After Mild Winter
Updated
Updated · KRDO · Jun 8

Colorado Experts Project 10%-20% Rise in Tick Cases After Mild Winter

2 articles · Updated · KRDO · Jun 8

Summary

  • Colorado veterinarians and state health experts say tick cases are already rising and could climb 10% to 20% this year.
  • A historically warm winter and warm spring let tick populations survive and start the season early, increasing exposure for dogs and potentially humans.
  • El Paso and Teller counties are hosting state surveillance training this week, with crews dragging cloth through tall grass to collect ticks and test them for pathogens.
  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever and Lyme disease remain rare, but experts urge prevention—cut grass, use DEET, wear long pants, and keep pets on tick collars or oral medications.

Insights

As climate change fuels a national tick surge, are simple yard work and bug spray still enough to protect your family?
With Lyme-carrying ticks now found in Colorado, is this notorious disease no longer just a distant threat for the state?
A promising Lyme disease vaccine is in final trials. Could this be the key to ending the seasonal dread of tick bites?