Tribal contact information: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

 RMSF is spread through the bite of a tick that has the germ  RMSF cannot spread person to person  RMSF can be stopped if we work together! Let’s Kick Ticks to Stop RMSF!

Tick Life Cycle Feed and Grow Hatch Feed, Grow, Lay Eggs

I’m the Brown Dog Tick and I….  live in hot climates  need a dog to find a mate  feed on dogs in all 3 life stages  feed on humans  hide in walls, stucco, cracks, carpet, and crevices  can live outdoors or indoors (as long as there are dogs) Brown Dog Tick Actual tick size in palm of hand

Your Dog and RMSF  You can't get RMSF from your dog - only from TICKS  RMSF can make dogs sick as well!  RMSF ticks like to feed on dogs  Free-roaming dogs can spread ticks into nearby homes and yards  New puppies attract more ticks

Prevention Begins with YOU! USE Insect Repellent (DEET) to keep ticks from biting SPRAY pesticides in your yard ALL summer TREAT your dogs for ticks using tick- killing COLLARs, shampoos, and medicines REMOVE old furniture, mattresses and trash from the yard CHECK yourself, your children and your dogs every day Scalp Behind the ears Groin Back of Knee Back of Neck

How can you help your dog? Remember to SPAY and NEUTER! One unneutered male dog + One unspayed female dog 1 year = 16 dogs 2 years = 128 dogs 3 years = 512 dogs 4 years = 2,408 dogs 5 years = 12,288 dogs 6 years = 67,000 dogs Helps dogs live longer, healthier life Prevents dogs from getting sick from some diseases Reduces dangers of multiple pregnancies Reduces risk of roaming Reasons to Spay or Neuter

Prevent Ticks on Your Dog  Tick collars can protect dogs from ticks  Some top-spot treatments and tick powders can also work  Collar all dogs in your yard  Follow package directions to decide when the collars need to be changed  Check your dogs for ticks regularly PROTECT YOUR DOG!

Ticks on Dogs  Where to look: Inside the ears Between the toes In the armpits On the belly

Yard Treatments  Treating your yard once a year is NOT enough  Yards need regular treatments in summer months  Killing ticks in your yard means:  Fewer ticks to bite dogs  Fewer ticks to bite humans  You can buy your own safe products  Handouts available about locally-available tick control products May June July August Four times a Summer!

LiquidGranules ProsConsProsCons Instantly activeYou may have to mix No mixingMust wet to use Can treat vertical surfaces Heavy (water)Lighter (no water)Can’t treat vertical surfaces Some products may be able to use indoors (read carefully) Best for vegetative soil No indoor use Can be used on any surface and is safe once it is dry Can be affected by weather (Wind, rain, etc.) If you’re going to purchase and apply your own pesticides, be sure to follow the directions and read the safety information carefully. Important Tips: Buy ready-to-spray products Read safety information on the label before applying pesticide Follow the directions on the product Be aware of where you put product Do not let kids play with products

Spray Here

STEPS TO REMOVE A TICK 1. Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. 3. Make sure all of the tick was removed from the skin. If any parts remained, remove them. 4. Wash the bite with soap and water, or disinfect the area with rubbing alcohol. Important: If you have a tick bite and get fever and headache 2-14 days afterwards, go see your doctor as soon as possible! 2. Gently pull the tick straight upwards, using steady and even pressure

Options:  Put it in alcohol  Put it in a sealed bag or container  Wrap it tightly in tape  Flush it down the toilet  DON’T crush a tick with your fingers How to dispose of a live tick

It can be hard to know when people have RMSF. They might have: Fever or chills Headache Body aches Nausea or vomiting Lack of appetite Rash If you have a fever for 2 or more days, go to a doctor! What does RMSF illness look like?

What happens if the doctor suspects RMSF?  You will get a medicine called doxycycline  It’s important to take ALL of the medicine, even after you feel better  They will take a blood sample from you to test for RMSF  You will need to return in 2-4 weeks to have a second blood sample to complete the RMSF test

Let’s Protect Our Community  Work with your neighbor to keep your yards clean  Collar all dogs in your yard  Check yourself and kids for ticks Share your stories about RMSF with friends and family