CDC Warns Tick Bites Are Surging Across the U.S. as ER Visits Hit Highest Levels in Years

Veterinarians may want to brace for a busy tick season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says emergency room visits for tick bites are running higher than normal across much of the United States, reaching the highest levels seen for this time of year since 2017 in nearly every region of the country.

The warning comes just ahead of Lyme Disease Awareness Month and serves as another reminder that ticks remain one of the biggest seasonal threats to both people and animals.

According to the CDC's Tick Bite Tracker, every U.S. region except the South Central states is reporting unusually high numbers of emergency department visits for tick bites. While most veterinarians won't be treating human patients, they are often the first healthcare professionals clients turn to when they discover a tick on themselves after removing one from their dog.

The numbers are striking. An estimated 31 million Americans are bitten by ticks every year, and approximately 476,000 people receive treatment for Lyme disease annually. Lyme disease remains the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in the United States, but it is far from the only concern. Ticks can also transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, Powassan virus, and alpha-gal syndrome, the unusual allergy that can make people react to red meat after certain tick bites.

For veterinary teams, the CDC announcement is another opportunity to reinforce parasite prevention with clients. Many pet owners still think tick preventives are only necessary during the summer, but tick activity often begins well before the weather feels warm and can continue well into the fall. In some regions, ticks remain active year-round.

Pets also serve as important sentinels. Dogs frequently bring ticks into the home, increasing the chance that family members will encounter them. Protecting pets with effective tick prevention helps safeguard both animal and human health, making tick control a true One Health issue.

The CDC recommends several simple but effective preventive measures for people spending time outdoors:

• Wear an EPA-registered insect repellent.

• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.

• Perform thorough tick checks after spending time outside.

• Remove attached ticks as soon as they are found. Removing a tick within 24 hours may significantly reduce the risk of Lyme disease transmission.

• Seek medical care if a rash, fever, or other symptoms develop after a tick bite.

Veterinarians can also remind clients that no preventive product is 100 percent effective without consistent use. Year-round tick prevention, routine physical examinations after hikes or outdoor activities, and prompt removal of attached ticks remain the best defense for pets.

With tick populations continuing to expand geographically and tick-borne diseases becoming more common, conversations about parasite prevention have never been more important. If the CDC's latest numbers are any indication, this season may be one of the busiest in years.