This type of tick is not commonly found here but was collected this week from a dog in Sitka. The tick was not attached to the dog and the dog had not been out of the Sitka area, so the origin of this tick is unknown.
Dermacentor andersoni is a west coast tick, and really likes sheep, but it is a vector for diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Q fever, tick paralysis and tularemia.
Sitka residents who have warm-blooded pets should check their animals for ticks. If ticks are found, the pet should be taken to one of our local veterinarians for treatment and care. If anyone in the household gets sick with a fever, your local physician should consider this factor in their diagnosis of the illness.
If you have questions, you can call the Alaska Department of Fish and Game office at 747-5449.
