Aaron Lefland

Ticked Off! Invasive Plants and Lyme Disease—A Surprising Connection

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Of all the ways to protect ourselves against Lyme disease, planting “this” instead of “that” isn’t usually part of the conversation. And yet, knowing which plants attract disease-carrying ticks can make a difference. Japanese barberry, a non-native ornamental shrub that’s popular for its deer resistance, became established on New England’s post-agricultural lands in the early 1900s. It has invaded our forests, stifling native tree and wildflower regeneration and altering soil chemistry. Extensive research has revealed there is a link between Japanese barberry infestations and blacklegged (aka “deer”) ticks and the causal agent of Lyme disease with which they are infected.

Animal 411

New Canaan Vet: Deer Ticks ‘Are Out Now in Force’

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With the frost out of the ground and more residents enjoying the outdoors with their dogs, a New Canaan veterinarian is urging pet owners to check their dogs for ticks. Dr. Daniel Hochman of Grove Street Veterinary said dog owners also should use anti-products (“There are topicals and orals”) and ensure the animals’ Lyme Disease shots are up-to-date. Asked to gauge tick activity right now, Hochman—owner of a 4-year-old goldendoodle, Trixie (see photo at right)—said: “They are out now in force.”

“It [prevalence of ticks] is really variable with where you live, in terms of your landscaping,” Hochman said. “People who have more tall grass with a lot of trees, their dogs are just covered in ticks.”

Hochman said the Lyme vaccine for dogs is “very effective.”

“I see a very low incidence of clinical Lyme Disease in my practice because most all of my clients are vaccinated for it, and use some type of a tick preventative,” he said. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, symptoms of Lyme in dogs include lethargy, arthritis, fever, fatigue and kidney damage.