Vector of Disease

This species is the most common vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), which the tick can transmit after only 5-20 hours of feeding^1,2.

The Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an infectious rickettsial disease of dogs, that is characterized by severe vascular damage. Canine susceptibility to Rickettsia rickettsii was demonstrated in 1933. Recent reports emphasize that, contrary to previous literature, untreated naturally-occurring RMSF can result in death. Clinical reports suggest that RMSF is a much more common cause of disease in dogs than was previously recognized³.

An estimated 4% of the American dog ticks are infected with Rickettsia species, but the vast majority of these organisms are nonpathogenic Rickettsia. Therefore, the chance of an individual tick harbouring Rickettsia rickettsii is slight⁴.

It can also transmit Tularemia (hunter's disease)¹.

Toxins found in the saliva of the American dog tick, which are injected during feeding, are the causative agents of tick paralysis in dogs².

Apparently, it plays no significant role in the transmission of Lyme disease and Babesiosis^1,2.