Vermont Reports 2,246 Lyme Cases in 2025 as Tick Activity Expands Northward

1 articles · Updated · VTDigger · Jun 26

2,246 lab-confirmed Lyme disease cases were reported in Vermont in 2025, underscoring a sharp rise that has left the state with the nation’s second-highest reported rate, behind Rhode Island.
51% of deer ticks tested from 2020 to 2024 carried Lyme, and state officials say disease-bearing ticks have spread north from the mid-Atlantic into New England.
Climate change is lengthening the tick season—researchers now find ticks during winter thaws—while more trails, bike paths and suburban edge habitats are increasing human exposure.
25,000 ticks collected by Vermont’s agriculture agency over the past decade help track risks from Lyme, anaplasmosis and babesiosis, while officials urge dryers, showers and tick checks after outdoor activity.
Only five of the tens of thousands of ticks collected were the species linked to alpha-gal syndrome, and officials say outdoor recreation can continue safely with precautions.