HOLLAND, Mich. (via WOOD TV) — Ottawa County health officials say a spike in the number of ticks is causing problems for people and pets alike, so it is taking measures to analyze the tick population and prevent the pests from latching on.
Eric Heitman, a veterinarian at the Ottawa Animal Hospital in Holland, said he has seen more ticks this year than he has in decades.
"For reasons that I can’t explain, Ottawa County and Allegan County have been running No. 1 and 2 (in the state) for the number of tick by bites or tick exposures," Heitman said Monday. "We seem to be seeing more ticks every year than we did the year before. And it’s pretty amazing because 20 years ago, I don’t remember seeing any ticks around here."
Ottawa County Health Department spokesperson Kristina Wieghmink said the agency has received a state grant that allows it to go out into parks and wooded areas, collect ticks and create a database tracking where various types are found.
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