If you have been bitten by a tick, you can submit the tick for identification. Only blacklegged ticks are sent for bacterial testing. The identification and testing of ticks provides data to monitor emerging tick populations in Ontario. Tick testing should not be used for the diagnosis or management of Lyme disease, as per Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) guidelines. Please speak to your health care provider if you are concerned about your health.
Laboratory identification results can take 3 weeks or longer depending on peak times (May-June and Oct-Nov). Blacklegged ticks are forwarded to the National Microbiology Laboratory for bacteriological testing, which can take up to 6 months. Public Health will contact you with the results.
Public Health cannot accept ticks found in the environment, on floors or furniture, or on dogs or other pets. If you find a tick on your pet, please take it to your veterinarian for identification.