Prevalence and Risk Factors
The prevalence of canine Lyme disease goes far beyond the Northeast, with positive cases reported across the US.
Results collected from a survey of more than 10,000 veterinary clinics conducted from 2001 to 2008 showed that 22 states reported a high prevalence (500+ cases) and 8 states reported a moderately high prevalence (251–500 cases) of disease.1 Only 1 state in the continental US did not border another with high or moderately high prevalence.
Dogs living in, or traveling to, areas with a high prevalence of canine Lyme disease are at the greatest risk.2 Outdoor, hunting, and field-trial dogs in tick-infested areas would have the most exposure to infected ticks, putting them at particular risk.
In high-prevalence areas, vaccinating puppies early in life, before exposure occurs, offers the best means of protection.
References:
1. Survey: Lyme prevention poorly understood. Vet Pract News. 2009;21(4):3.
2. Greene CE. Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier; 2006.
