New study shows 8 different strains of Bb found in one bird.

This study shows that not only do birds play a part in the spread of Lyme disease, but that one creature (or human) can have many strains of the Lyme bacteria in them!

www.parasitesandvectors.com/content/7/1/4

"Results of analysis of 14 genes confirmed that the level of divergence among strains is significantly higher than what would be expected for strains within a single species."

" Even if our findings of broad genetic diversity among 8 strains cultured from ticks that fed on a single bird could be the exception rather than the rule, they support the theory that the diversity and evolution of LB spirochetes is driven mainly by the host. "

Goodness Trav.,

I might have been happier not knowing that

Just kidding.

I live in the country anyway, and I've given up on trying to keep critters out (except for coyotes and bears), and I think my fence probably wouldn't even keep those out.

Since ticks feast on birds (I think primarily songbirds from what I remember), my guess is that essentially nowhere is safe from ticks, except maybe downtown Manhattan, say, Times Square (?), the Sahara desert, and maybe Death valley. Oh, and Antarctica.

Yes, I think migratory songbirds were the worst hit. Sad. Yes, I feel sorry for the birds.

Margaret

While this information may not be happy news, it's still information that many may benefit from. I know I've read many times on here that doctors don't believe that Lyme disease is in their area - if there are birds, that blows their theory out the window!

I also take issue with those docs that believe testing for 2- 5 strains of the bacteria is enough - they found 8 different strains in this one bird!!

Although I am sorry that it will make some unhappy to read this info!!