Join us at Nature PEI’s monthly meeting where Kami Harris will introduce us to the 5 Ws of Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that is transmitted to people and animals through a tick bite.  “The risk of Lyme disease is rapidly increasing in Canada as the climate changes and tick populations expand” notes Ms. Harris, adding that “due to the many waterways in our region, which are favorite haunts of tick-carrying birds, the Maritimes have an increasing density of ticks”. Her presentation will provide an overview of what Lyme disease is, how it can be contracted and diagnosed, and ways to prevent the infection.  Ms. Harris will also describe the current research underway including the spread of ticks and infection among people and animals of New Brunswick, as well as problems with effective diagnosis and treatment.

Kami Harris completed both her BSc Honours and MSc in Biology at Mount Allison University and is currently a PhD candidate at the Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI, under the supervision of Dr. Vett Lloyd (MTA) and Dr. Pierre-Yves Daoust (AVC). Her research focuses on the genetic diversity of the Lyme-causing bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi in our region, the prevalence of this diversity among ticks, animals and people, and the impact this diversity may be having on serological response.

All are welcome to join us Tuesday May 2, 7:30 pm at Beaconsfield, the Carriage House in Charlottetown to learn more about Lyme disease and how to prevent it.