March is National Tick Awareness Month (NTAM), and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), in partnership with Merck Animal Health, is reinforcing the critical role of veterinary teams in guiding clients on year‑round tick prevention.

Ticks pose an unpredictable threat, influenced by various environmental factors, making past data unreliable for forecasting today’s risks. As a result, veterinarians are encountering tick activity outside of previously recognized seasonal and geographic boundaries.

Dr. Tracy Fisher, president of CVMA, highlights the growing presence of ticks and emerging diseases, stressing the need for vigilance.

“It feels like every year there are more ticks in more places, and new diseases to consider and educate clients about,” says Fisher.

With Ixodes scapularis becoming active above 4 C, unseasonably warm periods may lead to earlier tick exposure than expected. Increasing climate variability makes it harder to decide when to start and stop prevention measures, highlighting the importance of a consistent, preventive approach rather than a reactive one.

This year’s campaign message, “WHEN YOU CAN’T PREDICT, PROTECT,” encourages veterinary professionals to advocate for timely and sustained tick prevention strategies to reduce the risk of tick bites and vector‑borne disease transmission in companion animals.

For clinical resources, client education tools, and up-to-date prevention guidance, veterinary teams can visit Tick Talk Canada.