What Is the Lyme Disease
Threat in Your Area?
Since Lyme disease was discovered in humans in 1975 and in dogs in 1984, the disease in both humans and dogs has been spreading geographically. It is more common on the East Coast, from Northern Virginia to Maine, and in the upper Midwest, but human Lyme disease has been found in all 48 contiguous states.1
Human data on Lyme disease applies to dogs
There is no system that keeps track of the number of dogs in each state that get Lyme disease every year. However, since 1993 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks state-by-state human cases each year.
Human Lyme disease is the most prevalent tick-borne disease in the United States with 28,921 new human cases in 48 states reported in 2008 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)1 Since ticks don't seem to care if they land on humans or dogs, the data on geographic spread of human Lyme disease seems to apply to dogs, as well.
Most likely greater threat in dogs than humans
Three-quarters of human cases are contracted during activities around the home.3 Just imagine how much greater the threat is to your dog that typically spends much more time outside in the backyard than you do.
Check the map for a quick overview
Do you live in a human Lyme disease endemic, expansion or isolated area?
Where you live can help you determine the level of risk for your dog.
| Geographic area |
Disease threat |
Level of risk |
Your action |
| Endemic |
Most dogs at risk and the threat is near-constant and pervasive |
Nearly 75 percent of unvaccinated dogs in this area will eventually test positive for infection with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, and each year some will develop Lyme disease3 |
Talk to your veterinarian about a comprehensive tick-borne disease prevention program, including Lyme disease vaccination |
| Expansion |
Many dogs at risk and the threat is present based on lifestyle and geography |
Human Lyme disease cases more than doubled in these areas from 2006 to 2007 and recent research shows more diagnosed cases in dogs than previously considered (vet parasitology) |
Talk to your veterinarian about your dogs risk level and if you need a comprehensive tick-borne disease prevention program, including Lyme disease vaccination |
| Isolated |
Some dogs are at risk and the threat is present in some areas |
Talk to your veterinarian about a comprehensive tick-borne disease prevention program, including Lyme disease vaccination |
Ask your veterinarian about human and canine cases in your area. If you plan to travel with your dog to endemic or expansion areas, please talk to your vet prior to your trip. |
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