For immediate release but not later than May 1, 2010

Information contact: Judy Buehler – (613) 326-0106;

Ticks and Lyme disease topic of upcoming lecture of RVFN

By Judy Buehler

Rideau Valley Field Naturalists

If you’ve just been for a nice walk in the woods and on doing a ‘tick check’ you notice what appears to be a freckle that’s moving, it’s probably a tick in the nymph stage. Yes, there are definitely ticks in our region and they could carry Lyme disease.

On Sunday, May 2^nd, Shaun Thompson , District Ecologist with the Ministry of Natural Resources, will give a talk to the Rideau Valley Field Naturalist club on his experience and knowledge of ticks and Lyme disease in our area. Shaun will introduce us to the idea that ticks and lyme disease are in Eastern Ontario and give us some basic information and background on the disease, precautions to take while outdoors and what to do should you encounter ticks. Although he admits he is no expert, he spends many hours outdoors, has personal experience with ticks and has recently sent one away for analysis to determine if it was carrying Lyme disease.

Even if ticks in our area are found to carry Lyme disease, that is no reason to stop going on hikes in the country. Be aware and be prepared. Join the RVFN at this meeting.

The RVFN meeting is open to everyone. It gets underway at 2 p.m. in the All-Purpose Room at the Perth and District Indoor Swimming Pool on Wilson Street at Sunset Boulevard. There is a small admission fee of $5.00 for non-RVFN members.

For more information about the RVFN, contact Judy Buehler at 326-0106.