Anaplasmosis: Spread, prevention and risks
On this page
- How anaplasmosis spreads
- Preventing anaplasmosis
- Risks of anaplasmosis
- Subscribe to the Zoonoses Bulletin
How anaplasmosis spreads
Anaplasmosis is caused by a bacterium called Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is spread through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) and western blacklegged ticks.
In most cases, infected ticks need to be attached for at least 24 hours to transmit the bacteria that causes anaplasmosis.
You may not notice a tick bite because ticks are tiny, and their bites are usually painless.
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Preventing anaplasmosis
There's currently no vaccine to prevent anaplasmosis.
The best way to protect yourself from anaplasmosis is to prevent tick bites. Check with your provincial and territorial public health authorities to find out where ticks are most likely to be found.
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Risks of anaplasmosis
You may have a higher risk of anaplasmosis infection if you:
- spend time outdoors in and near areas with trees, shrubs, tall grass or piles of leaves where ticks can be found
- have pets that go outdoors because they can carry ticks into your yard or home, which could increase your chance of a tick bite
- talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention for your pets
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Subscribe to the Zoonoses Bulletin
The Zoonoses Bulletin is an email subscription list that will provide you with regular updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada regarding our work on zoonoses. Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be spread between animals and people, including those that can be spread through the bite of a tick or mosquito.
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