Lyme Disease

American Dog Tick (Dermacentor Variabilis)

Dermacentor Variabilis (Enlarged) (Source: CDC)

Other names: Wood Tick

Distribution: Found throughout the US, but mostly east of the Rocky Mountains and only sparsely in the Rocky Mountain region
Description: About 1/8 inch in length with a dark brown body and an irregular white pattern on the part of the body behind the head.

Habitat: Found in grassy meadows and wooded areas, also near barns, kennels, and anywhere that animals are kept

Animal Hosts: Small rodents, opossums, raccoons, horses, deer, and cattle

Diseases Carried: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) 

In animals: Cytauxzoonosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

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