The Manitoba government announced this week that it has joined the eTick platform for expert advice to help Manitobans determine their risk of Lyme disease.

Developed by Bishop’s University and funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Manitobans can use the platform when they find ticks on animals, humans or in various habitats. Users can submit a picture to have the tick identified by experts, which will let them confirm if the tick they found belongs to a species capable of transmitting the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.

"More and more Manitobans are exploring nature and the outdoors during the pandemic. While this is a safe, healthy way to connect during the pandemic, we also want people to pay attention to reduce their risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses," says Manitoba Health and Senior Care Minister Heather Stefanson. "The eTick program will ensure people can access rapid tick identification and distribution maps, while enhancing the surveillance of tick species in Manitoba."

In addition to learning what species of tick users have found, identified specimens are mapped to better outline the distribution and seasonality of various tick species. This information will help Manitobans understand where and when ticks have been found in precise areas of the province. A new mobile application has been developed to facilitate and streamline the submission of tick observations in Manitoba and is available for free download. Users also still have the option of submitting their observations directly on the eTick website at www.etick.ca.

According to the province, blacklegged ticks, which can carry anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Lyme disease, are most commonly found within and along the edge of forests and in areas with thick, woody shrubs and other vegetation. These ticks are typically found between April and November -from snowmelt through snowfall - with adults most active in the spring and fall months.

To learn more about blacklegged ticks, tick disease and prevention, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/tickborne/.