Updated: Thu May. 20 2010 11:59:44

ctvcalgary.ca

The province is warning all Albertans to be on alert for ticks.

Officials say three ticks have tested positive for the bacteria borrelia which causes Lyme disease.

The ticks were found on dogs in the Calgary, High River, and Ardrossan areas.

"Lyme disease can be a serious condition if it's not detected early and left untreated," said Dr. Andre Corriveau, Alberta's chief medical officer of health. "Your best defense against Lyme disease is prevention. To avoid being bitten by ticks, use insect repellents and cover up when walking in tall grass, woods or brush."

Borrelia was first discovered in Alberta in 2007. It was found in ticks on dogs in the Stony Plain area.

If you find a tick on your pet, contact your local veterinarian to remove it, so the tick can be identified and collected for testing. The veterinarian can treat the infection in pets.

The province says there have been 20 cases of human Lyme disease reported in Alberta between 1989 and 2009. Officials have not been able to confirm that any of the infections were acquired in Alberta.

Lyme disease infection usually happens between May and August.

Signs of the disease include a circular, red rash between three and 30 days after the bite. The infection may also lead to fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph glands.

Anyone with Lyme disease should contact HealthLink Alberta. In Calgary, the number is 403-943-5465; outside the local calling area, the number is 1-866-408-5465.

For more information on Lyme disease, click on the link for Alberta Health Services.