Are ticks a problem to Nova Scotia moose?
Yes. On the mainland they can be an occasional problem, but not in Cape Breton where snow cover lasts well into the spring in the highlands and ticks are not able to survive. These ticks are known as the moose tick or winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus). Severely infected moose can be host to 30,000 or more ticks. Ticks feed on blood and a severe infestation can equal large losses of blood. Infected moose also spend copious amounts of time grooming, which means they are spending less time eating. Another symptom of infection is hair loss. Since these infections occur in the winter, loss of hair can reduce the moose’s ability to thermoregulate. Winter ticks cause death by a combination of blood loss, hair loss and distraction from feeding.
