What CAPC and CDC Data Tell Us About Risk to People and Pets
If you live in Upstate New York, ticks are not a “maybe.” They’re a reality.
As a veterinarian practicing in our region, I can confidently say that tick prevention is no longer seasonal — it’s essential. Surveillance data from the CDC and parasite prevalence data from CAPC (Companion Animal Parasite Council) show that tick-borne diseases continue to be widespread in both humans and pets throughout New York State.
Below is a practical, data-driven look at what we’re seeing.
The Major Tick Species in Upstate New York
1. Blacklegged tick (Deer Tick)
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Primary diseases transmitted:
- Lyme disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
This is the most medically important tick in our region.
CDC Data (Humans)
- New York consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of reported Lyme disease cases.
- The CDC reports hundreds of thousands of Lyme disease diagnoses annually in the U.S., with the Northeast being a primary hotspot.
- Anaplasmosis cases have steadily increased in the Northeast over the past decade.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme
https://www.cdc.gov/anaplasmosis
CAPC Data (Dogs)
The Companion Animal Parasite Council interactive parasite prevalence maps consistently show:
- Significant Lyme disease antibody positivity in dogs in New York.
- Increasing Anaplasma exposure rates.
- Regional variation, but persistent endemic presence statewide.
Dogs serve as sentinels — when we see increased exposure in pets, it reflects environmental risk.
Source: https://capcvet.org/maps/
2. Lone Star tick
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Traditionally a southern tick, the Lone Star tick has expanded its geographic range northward and is now increasingly documented in New York State.
Diseases Associated:
- Ehrlichiosis
- Tularemia
- Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI)
- Alpha-gal syndrome
What Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
Alpha-gal syndrome is a delayed allergic reaction to red meat (beef, pork, lamb) triggered by prior bites from Lone Star ticks.
After sensitization, individuals may experience:
- Hives
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Anaphylaxis (in severe cases)
The CDC recognizes Alpha-gal syndrome as an emerging tick-associated condition.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/alphagal
https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/lonestar.html
3. American dog tick
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Common in grassy and wooded areas throughout New York.
Diseases Associated:
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
- Tularemia
While RMSF is less common in New York compared to other regions, cases do occur.
CDC RMSF data:
https://www.cdc.gov/rmsf
Human Health Impact in New York
According to CDC surveillance:
- New York is consistently classified as a high-incidence state for Lyme disease.
- Incidence rates in parts of the Northeast exceed 100 cases per 100,000 population annually.
- Tick season is expanding, with activity documented in early spring and late fall — and sometimes during mild winters.
Key point: Tick activity is temperature-dependent, not calendar-dependent.
Pet Health Impact in New York
CAPC canine testing data shows:
- Persistent Lyme exposure across the state.
- Measurable rates of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia antibodies.
- Heartworm presence (lower prevalence than southern states, but not zero).
Dogs frequently test positive for tick exposure before owners realize ticks are active in their environment.
In other words — your dog is often your early warning system.
Why This Matters for Both People and Pets
Ticks do not respect property lines.
Shared outdoor exposure means:
- If your dog is at risk, you are too.
- If ticks are in your yard, they’re available to attach to both species.
Preventing ticks on pets reduces:
- Household tick transport
- Disease risk in dogs
- Potential exposure for family members
Prevention Is Critical
In Upstate New York, best practices include:
- Year-round tick prevention for dogs
- Routine tick checks after outdoor activity
- Prompt removal of attached ticks
- Annual tick-borne disease screening in dogs
- Protective clothing and repellents for humans in wooded areas
The Bottom Line
CAPC and CDC data are clear:
- Tick-borne diseases are endemic in Upstate New York.
- Lyme disease remains highly prevalent.
- Anaplasmosis is increasing.
- Lone Star ticks are expanding northward.
- Alpha-gal syndrome is a real and emerging concern.
This is not a passing trend. It’s an evolving public health issue.
If you have questions about tick prevention for your pets — or concerns about tick exposure in your family — we’re happy to guide you through a practical, science-based prevention plan.
Because in our region, prevention isn’t optional. It’s responsible.