Connecticut Animal Control Officer Finds 22 Ticks After Dog Rescue, Raising Lyme Disease Awareness

A Woodbridge, Connecticut, animal control officer discovered 22 ticks on her body after rescuing a dog from a wooded area in Seymour on Thursday, highlighting the increasing risk of tick-borne illnesses in the state.

Dog Rescue Leads to Tick Exposure

Jess Moffo, the regional animal control officer, responded to a call about a dog that had fallen down an embankment in Seymour. Despite the rescue being successful, Moffo encountered a significant tick infestation during her brief, approximately 15-minute time in the woods. “You know, the ground is covered. It’s frozen and slippery,” Moffo said. “It was raining yesterday, so there’s water, which, you know, tends to bring them out a little bit more.” She initially found about ten ticks on her hands and ultimately removed a total of 22 ticks from her body.

Lyme Disease Risk in Connecticut

Dr. Khuram Ghumman, a clinical professor for family medicine at Quinnipiac University, emphasized the high prevalence of ticks carrying diseases in Connecticut, particularly Lyme disease. He estimates that there could be as many as 100,000 to 500,000 cases of Lyme disease each year in the state. NBC Connecticut

Symptoms and Prevention of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease symptoms can include severe headaches, arthritis, and heart palpitations. Early detection and removal of ticks are crucial to prevent infection. Dr. Ghumman recommends performing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors, especially on children.

Preventative measures include:

• Wearing long sleeves and tucking pants into socks.
• Using tick repellent before outdoor activities.

Tick Removal and Medical Attention

If a tick is found, it should be removed immediately using fine-tipped tweezers with sustained upward pressure. NBC Connecticut Any rash developing after a tick bite warrants immediate medical attention.

About Jess Moffo

Jess Moffo serves as the Chief Animal Control Officer for Woodbridge, Connecticut, and also provides regional animal control services to Seymour, Bethany, and Beacon Falls. Woodbridge CT She is known for her dedication to animal welfare and assisting with lost dog recovery efforts. CT Dog Gone Recovery Volunteers