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Ticked? Tick Talk in Saltcoats informs

In Saltcoats this Saturday, the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association hosted Dr. L. Robbin Lindsay of the Public Health Agency of Canada to talk about ticks.
ticks

In Saltcoats this Saturday, the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association hosted Dr. L. Robbin Lindsay of the Public Health Agency of Canada to talk about ticks.

Lindsay, a research analyst from who specializes in zoonotic diseases, delivered a presentation on how to identify ticks, as well as ways to keep safe when in areas known to be frequented by the small, potentially disease carrying critters.

“Now, birds and bird associations have been paying it forward,” said Dr. Lindsay in his opening remarks.

“I came here because our understanding of ticks and tick borne diseases have really been amplified by the work that birders have done, and worked with bird studies in Canada, to understand how ticks move and what role different species play in distribution.

“And again, you guys are also naturalists; you’re out in rhubarb. So, you guys are the ones that need to know about ticks.”

The talk discussed the levels of risk of tick borne diseases, where the concern is greatest, as well as preventative tips in order to mitigate that risk.

“There’s 30 species of hard ticks, and seven species of soft ticks.”

In addition, a handbook on the ticks of Canada, was noted as being available for free download as well as a hard copy available for sale.

For more information on the talk, or in general, you can contact the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association through their website, https://www.yfbta.com/, or by telephone at (306) 744-8140.