Those who work in health care, government, or research, should expect to see the type of political battle that AIDS and Gulf War Syndrome patients have waged, until there are accurate tests, effective treatment, adequately funded and responsible research, and fair insurance coverage. Everyone knows that they should use DEET and tuck socks into pants and check for ticks after birding. Everybody knows someone who had the rash, took antibiotics for a while and was cured. But as I discovered, there is a lot more to know. Birders are among the most at-risk groups for Lyme Disease, along with others who work or play outdoors.
Birders are by definition likely to go to a variety of habitats including tick-infested areas.
Despite the best precautions, most birders probably have been bitten more than once. To understand the risks and choices birders need all the information we can get, and must actively work at self-protection. First, don't stop birding, but be aware of the potential hazards. If you are bitten, seek immediate treatment. There are Lyme Disease support groups all over the country now who can provide referrals.