It should be noted that early in the disease, the blood test can be negative even though the disease is present. Only with later disease does the test become reliably positive. If detected early enough, there is almost complete relief of pain and lameness within 24 hours of initial treatment in animals. Chronic cases of the disease respond much slower and require longer periods of treatment. Knowledge of where these ticks are found, avoidance of such areas, and, if bitten, prompt removal of the tick are the primary preventive measures.
Vaccines are available to protect dogs and humans.
Consult with your veterinarian for advice regarding vaccination of your animal and with your physician if you are considering vaccination for yourself or a family member. To remove a tick, use small tweezers to firmly grip the tick's mouth parts as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight outward. Apply an antiseptic to the bitten area. After removing, destroy the tick by immersing it in alcohol. Save the tick, marking the date it was found on the body, in the event that symptoms arise and identification of the tick becomes necessary.