Wood and Deer Ticks are in Abundance in Alberta

Wood ticks are certainly a problem on the prairies this summer, especially in more southern regions.

 

Sherri Roberts, a regional crop specialist in southern Saskatchewan is battling one of the most serious tick borne illnesses, Lyme Disease. "The symptoms will continue until you get treated.  I, fortunately, caught it really early.  I got on the antibiotics with an extremely good understanding doctor.  I was on doxycyclene (antibiotic) 100 milligrams twice a day for a month and have seemed to have beat this disease because I caught it so early.  If you are unfortunate and you don't understand that you have the disease and you don't get treatment right away, it can last and linger."

 

Roberts has battled Lyme disease three times.  "My second case of Lyme disease that I had, I actually battled it for 10 years before I was able to conquer it and get through it.  Everybody's immune system is different, how it responds to treatment.  The big key is don't ignore these types of symptoms, if you have them, get to a doctor."

 

The good news is there is treatment, according to Roberts.  "There is, if you can get on it right away. At one time they thought they had a vaccine for it but it didn't work.  They do have a vaccine for dogs and that does work.  It is a concern that everybody that's outdoors should be thinking about. Right up with tick sprays, tape up the bottom of your pants if you know for sure you are going into long grass.  By all means every time you come in from outdoors shed your clothes, and do a tick check for sure."

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.