Ticks – Columbia County Current

Between the Pandemic and the miserable weather we have been dealing with – snow in May! – it might have slipped your mind that it’s also tick-season. May is observed as “Lyme Disease Awareness Month.” While all New Yorkers have been focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s vitally important to remember that Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses continue to be major concerns throughout our state. To learn more about symptoms and steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones, visit https://www.lymedisease.org/get-involved/take-action/lyme-awareness-month/.

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New York state has a plan to control the tick population and combat tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Governor Cuomo announced that the state will apply “eco-friendly” tick control treatments on public lands in the Southern Tier, the capital region and the Hudson Valley.

The state will also expand the use of deer feeding stations that automatically apply tick treatment to deer as they eat. The stations have already been used on Long Island and in other areas.

A new public awareness campaign aimed at hunters, fishermen and hikers will provide tips on how to avoid ticks. Additionally, the state’s Department of Health will seek out private researchers to collaborate on new medical tests to detect Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

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Jeff McKinney is a Realtor in Columbia County, NY. Connect with him on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Pinterest.