What are blacklegged ticks?
Blacklegged (deer) ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are the species of tick in Manitoba known to transmit Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. People can become infected with Lyme disease from their bite; however, not all blacklegged ticks are infected with the bacteria, so not all blacklegged ticks transmit the disease. Ticks are slow feeders so it takes some time for the bacteria to be transmitted to your blood. The risk of catching Lyme disease from a blacklegged tick is reduced if it is removed early, especially within 24 hours. For more information on Lyme disease, please click here.
