More than 60% of moose in a province-wide study showed signs of hair loss associated with a potentially deadly tick infestation, according to a report released by provincial wildlife biologists August 15.

Last year, 50% of moose observed were infested with winter ticks. The study ran from Jan. 1 to April 30, 2016, and included observations of almost 500 moose.

The province launched the winter tick monitoring program in 2015 to establish a baseline measure of the extent of the infestation. The study incorporates field observations from wildlife professionals, forestry and environmental consultants, members of First Nations communities and the general public.

Winter ticks are an external parasite found on white-tailed deer, mule deer, bison and elk, although moose are the ticks’ preferred host. The ticks can lead to skin irritation and blood loss for moose and, in cases of severe infestation, lead to serious health issues and even death.

The higher infestation rate this year does not necessarily mean that more moose are carrying the tick, although it does suggest that ticks are a common problem. Biologists are entering the third year of an ongoing study and need to collect more data before they can get an accurate picture of winter tick prevalence.

Of the 478 reports collected between January and April 2016, only four came from the Kootenays, which had the lowest numbers outside the Lower Mainland (one) and Okanagan (three). The Peace country had the highest number at 183.

Winter ticks pose no health risk to humans.There are between 120,000 to 200,000 moose in British Columbia.

See the full Provincial Moose Winter Tick Surveillance Program report.

Lead image: A young moose feeds at Whiteswan Provincial Park. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW photos

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