WSU Veterinary College warns animal owners of tick paralysis

Commentary: Washington State University (WSU) veterinary college sent out an alert today, reminding people of an uncommon and potentially fatal threat from ticks that is usually overlooked: Tick paralysis. The illness occurs when certain species of ticks inject potent toxins from their salivary glands into the host, producing a rapidly progressing total paralysis that can lead to death. Removing the offending tick and providing supportive care can be curative. More than 60 species of ticks worldwide have been identified as toxin producers. I discuss Tick paralysis in my book under Chapter 4: Lyme and Common Tick-Borne Bacterial Infections.

WSU Veterinary College warns animal owners of tick paralysis, WSU News