2.  I am a deer hunter.  Can I get Lyme disease if I come into contact with deer blood when I field dress my deer?
No.  Research has found that deer seem to be immune to Lyme disease and that there are relatively few spirochetes, if any, in deer blood.

3.  Can I get Lyme disease from eating wild game?
No.  If the game is properly cooked (internal meat temperature of 145^o F), any spirochetes will be killed.

4.  I am a taxidermist and I sometimes handle deer from areas where Lyme disease ticks occur.  Can I get Lyme disease from handling these deer?
Yes.  Although it has not been shown that you can become infected directly through the handling of deer carcasses or blood, it is possible for Lyme disease ticks to remain on deer long enough to reach a taxidermy shop.  If one of these ticks were to be infected and bite you, you could get Lyme disease.  Some taxidermists in Indiana have found I. scapularis ticks on deer or on themselves.  Taxidermists should examine themselves for ticks daily and remove any attached ticks following the procedure outlined above.

5.  Which kind of ticks carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
Both the American dog tick and the lone star tick, can transmit RMSF.  However, only a small percentage of these ticks are infected and capable of transmitting the infection to humans.  Prompt removal of any ticks found significantly reduce the chances that the tick will transmit at disease.  Remove attached ticks following the methods described in this pamphlet.

6.  During which months is the risk of acquiring a tick-borne disease the greatest?
Most cases of tick-borne diseases are acquired during the spring and early summer.

7.  What kind of clothing provides the best protection against ticks?
Light colored, tightly woven clothing.  The light color will make it easier to see the ticks while the tight weave may make it harder for them to grab on.  Follow the precautions for dressing described in this pamphlet.

8.  Can dogs get tick-borne diseases described in this pamphlet?
Yes.  Veterinarians can treat your dog for these diseases.  There is also a Lyme disease vaccine available for dogs.

9.  How can I control tick populations in my yard?
Keep your yard neat and keep your lawn closely trimmed.  Mouse-proof your house and remove any outdoor materials which might make good homes for mice.  If you live in an area frequented by deer, consider contacting a professional exterminator about spraying your yard for ticks.

10.  Where can I go for more information?
Your local health department and the Indiana State Department of Health are excellent sources of further information.  The Indiana State Department of Health's Lyme disease web site can be found at:  http://www.in.gov/isdh/programs/lyme/index.htm   You can also ask your local librarian for information about these diseases or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's web site. www.cdc.gov  Click on health topics a-z, then on the disease of interest.  Finally, the Public Health Entomology Laboratory, in the Department of Physiology and Health Science at Ball State University posts information on ticks and tick-borne diseases in Indiana at: http://www.bsu.edu/physiology‑health/entomology_lab