Five ticks found on pets in the Edmonton and Calgary areas have tested positive for the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.
Borrielia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, was detected in 13 ticks that were submitted for testing from around the province in 2010.
ARD tick surveillance has identified over 25 ticks that carried the Lyme disease bacteria since 2007.
No human cases have been documented in Alberta so far this year.
Lyme disease appears as a circular, red rash and can bring on fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph glands.
In some cases, the disease can cause neurological and muscular problems months after infection.
"Lyme disease can be a serious condition if it's not detected early and is left untreated," said Dr. Andre Corriveau, Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health. "Your best defence against Lyme disease is prevention. Everyone should use insect repellent and cover up when walking in tall grass, woods or brush to avoid being bitten by ticks."
There were 20 cases of human Lyme disease reported in Alberta from 1989 to 2008. Public health officials have not been able to confirm that any of the infections were acquired in Alberta.
In June, a Calgary woman says that she contracted Lyme disease even though doctors in Alberta were unable to positively diagnose her.
It took Susan McInnis to send a blood sample to a lab in Seattle to receive a positive result and treatment.
The results from the lab don't meet American diagnostic standards, but McInnis is convinced of the result.
"I'm getting better," said McInnis. "Up until the time I saw him I only saw myself get worse, constantly every day, I just got worse, I was just disentegrating. I'm starting to get a little of my life back now."
Officials ask that if you find a tick on your pet, contact your local veterinarian so the tick can be identified and collected for testing.
