"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." ~ Henry Ford

​OCAP Continues Participation in MSU’s Tick Surveillance
Since Michigan State University’s Pilot Program began in 2015, OCAP has been invited to join their Tick Surveillance Network.  The network is made up of Shelters and Veterinary Clinics across Michigan and measures all species found on dogs entering and residing in our shelter for a period of time in the spring and fall months.

OCAP’s Dog Coordinator collects data each day during the surveillance period by examining every dog that enters or is residing at OCAP for ticks.  Ticks are collected and placed in test tubes to await return at the end of the collection period for identification and study at MSU.
Through these studies, MSU can track where different species of ticks are found and the areas they are spreading that they have never been established previously.  They then coordinate with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services with the information regarding canine tick submissions to help update the Michigan Lyme Disease Risk Map.

For more tick information to keep yourself and your pet safe and healthy, you can contact your local Dept. of Health and Human Services and your local Veterinarian.  OCAP also has a small supply of tick removal envelopes allowing you to send a harvested tick you might have found for study and identification.