Minnesota Pet Owners Need To Be On The Look Out For Ticks

If your home has cats that go outdoors, you should keep an eye on them. A tick-borne disease known as Bobcat Fever is starting to show up in the Midwest, and if left untreated, it can be fatal for your pet. Here's what you need to know about Bobcat Fever.

What is Bobcat Fever?

“Bobcat Fever” is the nickname for cytauxzoonosis, a serious tick-borne disease caused by the parasite Cytauxzoon felis. It’s carried mainly by bobcats and spread through tick bites, especially from Lone Star ticks and American dog ticks.

While there haven't been any cases in Minnesota, it is possible, as the Lone Star ticks have been found here before, as the ticks' range expands beyond the southern states.

The disease has historically been much more common in the South and lower Midwest, but experts say the range of ticks carrying it has been expanding northward. Cases have been reported in Midwest states, including Illinois and Iowa, and veterinarians are watching closely as tick populations continue shifting.

Pets Most At Risk For 'Bob Cat Fever

For most Minnesota cat owners, the biggest risk factors are:

• Outdoor cats
• Cats roaming wooded or rural areas
• Tick exposure during spring and summer
• Homes near wildlife habitat

The peak months for ticks in Minnesota are March through September, so we are just getting started with tick season.

Signs That Your Pet Has 'Bobcat Fever'

While no reports of 'Bobcat Fever' have been reported in Minnesota, there are some signs to be looking for if you are traveling to an area like Iowa or Illinois where cases have been found.

Some symptoms to look for are:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• High fever
• Trouble breathing
• Pale gums or jaundice

The good news is that if you spot these symptoms early on and take your pet to the vet, the likelihood of survival is high.

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