Wildlife Borrelia reservoirs
As ticks do not pass on Borrelia burgdorferi to their eggs, in order for Borrelia infections to persist, the bacteria need to over-winter in mammals. Therefore, Wild animals are the way Borrelia persists in the environment and consequently, act as a reservoir of infection. Each species differs in their susceptibility to infection, and to specific tick vectors.
We are currently testing the wildlife in New Brunswick for Borrelia infection by collecting animals killed by vehicles and cats. The Borrelia bacteria can be identified by PCR, as well as the presence of antibodies against Borrelia in the blood of infected animals. In this way, we will find out which animals harbour infection.
Alternately, in a similarly related project, we are collecting information on the number and types of animals killed by vehicles - please see www.roadwatchNB.ca
We are currently testing the wildlife in New Brunswick for Borrelia infection by collecting animals killed by vehicles and cats. The Borrelia bacteria can be identified by PCR, as well as the presence of antibodies against Borrelia in the blood of infected animals. In this way, we will find out which animals harbour infection.
Alternately, in a similarly related project, we are collecting information on the number and types of animals killed by vehicles - please see www.roadwatchNB.ca