Love the ones you’re with: Characteristics and behaviour of Maryland pets and their owners in relation to tick encounters

Abstract

We conducted a cross‐sectional study to evaluate associations between pet characteristics and behaviours and risk of tick encounters among pets and pet owners. We defined a tick encounter as ticks found crawling on or attached to a pet or pet owner. Information about pet characteristics, interactions between owners and pets, and tick encounters were captured through an online survey. Associations were evaluated using univariate and multivariable analyses. In univariate analysis, walking dogs only on pavement reduced risk of tick encounter among owners (prevalence ratio (PR) = 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30, 0.84). Having a dog or cat that hunted small animals increased risk of tick encounter among owners (PR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.13; PR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.34, respectively). No direct interactions between owners and pets (e.g., pets sleeping on owners' beds) were associated with increased risk of tick encounters among owners. In multivariable analysis among dog owners, having a pet with a tick encounter within the last six months was associated with increased risk of owner tick encounter (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.17, 95% CI: 2.94, 5.92); in addition, having a dog that hunts small animals was associated with increased risk of owner tick encounter (aOR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.11). These results suggest that the location of pet‐owner interactions may be more important than the type of interactions. Pet owners should avoid tick habitat with pets; when that is not possible, proper use of tick preventive products for pets, wearing repellents by owners and conducting tick checks for both pets and owners is critical for prevention of tick encounters and tick‐borne disease.

Human‐tick encounters as a measure of tickborne disease risk in lyme disease endemic areas

“…Owning a pet was also associated with increased odds of all forms of tick encounters. Pet ownership has long been considered a risk factor for tick exposure (Fischhoff et al., 2019; Hojgaard et al., 2014; Mead et al., 2018; de Wet et al, 2020) and TBD (Drexler et al., 2014; Jones et al., 2018; Lane & Lavoie, 1988; Ley et al., 1995; Rabinowitz et al., 2007; Steere et al., 1978). Recent evidence suggests increased risk may come from activities pet owners engage in with their pets that expose them to tick habitat rather than pets transporting ticks into the home or through direct contact (e.g.…”

“…Recent evidence suggests increased risk may come from activities pet owners engage in with their pets that expose them to tick habitat rather than pets transporting ticks into the home or through direct contact (e.g. sleeping with pets; de Wet et al., 2020).…”

An analysis of companion animal tick encounters as revealed by photograph‐based crowdsourced data

“…Taken together, these observations are troubling due to the numerous diseases that I. scapularis can vector and transmit to both pets and humans. A recent survey of pet owners found that people whose pets had a tick encounter within the past 6 months were more likely to encounter a tick themselves (de Wet et al., 2020 ). Opportunities exist to increase awareness on this point among pet owners through education by both veterinarians and public health agencies promoting a One Health focus to tick‐borne disease prevention.…”

“…Even in cases where animals are asymptomatic or display sub‐clinical signs of tick‐borne disease infection, they can act as potential reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens (Fritz 2009 ; Mather et al., 1994 ; Shannon et al., 2017 ; Shaw et al., 2001 ). Several studies have demonstrated that those living in households with either dogs or cats are at higher risk of tick encounters and tick‐borne illnesses than those in households without pets (de Wet et al., 2020 ; Jones et al., 2002 , 2018 ). Cats that live entirely indoors have been found infested with species of attached ticks that originate in outdoor habitats (Little et al., 2018 ).…”