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Pet Parasites in the South: A Regional Overview of Species and Risks

by Jackie Brown
Reviewed by JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM on 02/23/2024. Published on 02/23/2024
Dog on leash looking out at lake during early sunset
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Protecting dogs and cats from parasites is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are three troublesome pests that can cause pets discomfort and transmit dangerous diseases. For example, mosquitoes are the vector of heartworms, meaning they can carry and transmit this internal parasite to dogs and cats. 

In the Southern United States, there is no real “off season” for fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes. Veterinarians recommend using year-round parasite control to ensure your pet is always protected from these pests.

“Environmental and climate-related factors in the Southern U.S.—warm and humid—are favorable for the survival and proliferation of many different parasites, including fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, coccidian, and several worm species,” says Dr. Barbara Qurollo, research associate professor at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “The wide variety of thriving vector species—mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks—increases the risk of vector-borne diseases, including heartworm disease, bartonellosis, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.”

Keep reading for a regional guide to heartworm disease, fleas, and ticks in the Southern states of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Heartworm Disease in the South

Cat and dog on leashes in grass

Heartworm is a serious and sometimes deadly parasite that affects dogs and cats. Although heartworm is found in all 50 states, the parasite is extremely prevalent in the South. Both dogs and cats can get heartworms through the bite of an infected mosquito. Untreated heartworm disease causes severe damage to the heart, lungs, and other organs, which can lead to death. For dogs, heartworm treatment is available, though it is lengthy and costly. No treatment is available for heartworm in cats. 

“Mosquitoes love the warmth, humidity, heavy rainfall, and hurricanes prevalent in the Southern United States,” says Dr. Jennifer Rizzo, president of the American Heartworm Society (AHS). “In areas where mosquito control measures do not exist, the risk increases further.”

The AHS has conducted periodic heartworm incidence surveys since 2001, tracking data from thousands of veterinarians who submit heartworm test results from their practices. The Southern United States, particularly the Mississippi Delta and Gulf Coast states, have the highest incidence of heartworm disease in the country. 

“In the latest AHS Heartworm Incidence Survey, which was conducted [in 2023] and analyzed data from 2022, the five states with the highest heartworm density were Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and Arkansas,” says Dr. Rizzo, who practices in Gainesville, Florida. Many veterinary clinics in these states see more than 100 heartworm cases annually. In addition, Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and the Carolinas all saw expansions of high-density areas.

Although not as impacted as the Deep South, veterinary hospitals in Delaware and Maryland reported an average of 6 to 25 heartworm cases per clinic annually.

Year-round heartworm prevention is imperative for any pet living in the South. Some vet-approved heartworm preventatives also kill fleas, ticks, and/or intestinal worms.

Fleas in the South

Vet applying flea and tick treatment to cat

A flea infestation is the last thing any pet parent wants to deal with. Once well-established, fleas can be extremely difficult to eradicate in the pet, in the home, and in the yard and other outdoor areas. Although more than 2,000 flea species exist worldwide, most dogs and cats become infested with the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). 

Adult fleas live on their host — in this case, a dog or cat — where they feed on the host’s blood and lay eggs. Adult female fleas lay eggs after each blood meal and can lay hundreds of eggs during their lifetimes. As the pet moves around, flea eggs drop off into the environment and remain there until they hatch a few days or weeks later. The larvae later form cocoons, incubating the fleas (pupal stage) until they are ready to hatch as adults.

Eliminating fleas completely requires killing all four life stages — adult fleas, eggs, larvae, and pupal. This can take several weeks or months of treatment as fleas move through the different life cycle stages. Using a vet-approved flea control product for dogs or cats is the best way to avoid fleas. 

Veterinarians recommend using flea protection all year. The warm and humid climate in the Southern United States is ideal for fleas. In fact, they are active year-round in many states in the South. All pets are at risk, including indoor pets, as fleas can hitchhike into the house on clothing and shoes. 

“As we have longer seasons of warm, humid weather, we will also have longer periods of parasite survival, vector activity, and potential disease transmission throughout the year,” Dr. Qurollo says.

Ticks in the South

A tick on a dog's hair

Although many people call them “bugs,” ticks are not insects but tiny arachnids (related to spiders and scorpions). Ticks are common in wooded and brushy areas, as well as places animals frequent, like dog parks. Ticks usually cling to grass or other low-growing foliage and climb on to pets as they walk past and brush against these blood-suckers. Once on your pet, ticks bite into the skin and firmly attach themselves, where they feed on a blood meal. 

Ticks are highly prevalent in the South, and they carry serious risks of tick-borne disease for both pets and people. Like fleas, ticks can survive most of the year in the Southern United States, so they are always a risk to pets living in this region.

The Asian longhorned tick, a new invasive tick species in the U.S., has been found in Southern states, including Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Kentucky, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. However, research is ongoing to determine whether these ticks are able to pass harmful germs along to people and animals. 

Experts recommend using year-round tick control, especially for pets that spend a lot of time outdoors. Many vet-approved tick control products kill multiple parasites, inducing fleas and/or heartworm.

Lyme Disease in the South

Lyme disease is transmitted to people and dogs by the blacklegged tick or deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). Although Lyme disease is the most prevalent tick-borne disease in the United States, it’s not a huge risk in the South, despite established populations of blacklegged ticks in the Southern U.S. The low incidence of Lyme disease in the South can be explained by the feeding habits of blacklegged ticks living in the North versus those living in the South.

“Northern blacklegged ticks prefer to feed on small rodents, which are reservoir hosts for Borrelia burgdorferi (bacteria that causes Lyme disease),” Dr. Qurollo says. “Southern blacklegged ticks prefer to feed on lizards, which are not typically infected with B. burgdorferi.”

Even though blacklegged ticks don’t spread a ton of Lyme disease in the South, these pests carry and transmit other dangerous diseases, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and bourbon virus.

Here is a snapshot of some of the common tick-borne diseases that can affected pets in the South and the tick species that are involved: 

  • Anaplasmosis – Deer tick/blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) 
  • Babesiosis – Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) 
  • Bourbon virus: Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum)
  • Ehrlichiosis – Lone star tick, brown dog tick, American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis)
  • Heartland virus – Lone star tick
  • Hepatozoonosis – Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum), brown dog tick
  • Lyme disease: Deer tick/blacklegged tick
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever – American dog tick, brown dog tick
  • Tick-borne relapsing fever: Soft ticks
  • Tick paralysis – Deer tick/blacklegged tick, American dog tick, Gulf Coast tick 
  • Tularemia – American dog tick, lone star tick

Ticks in Alabama

If you love to be outdoors, Alabama is a dream with the foothills of the Appalachians, the beautiful beaches of the Gulf, 22 state parks, eight national parks, and an abundance of nature preserves. Find endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with your pet, including canoeing, fishing, hiking, camping, and more. Hunting is a popular pastime, and dogs are allowed at Alabama State Parks, as well as five beaches. Of course, parasite protection is an important part of any outdoor activity.

Alabama ticks can be active all year long, and tick-borne illnesses are reported year-round in the state, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Alabama tick diseases include Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. 

Types of Ticks in Alabama Dangerous for Pets

  • American dog tick 
  • Blacklegged tick (deer tick) 
  • Brown dog tick
  • Gulf coast tick 
  • Lone star tick

Tick-Borne Diseases in Alabama 

  • Anaplasmosis 
  • Babesiosis 
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Tick paralysis
  • Tularemia 

Ticks in Arkansas

Arkansas is known as the Natural State, and there’s certainly an abundance of outdoor fun for you and your pet, from kayaking the world’s longest bayou to hiking nature trails to exploring the 52 state parks and seven national parks, where leashed dogs are welcomed. 

Arkansas ticks can be active all year long, according to the Arkansas Department of Public Health. Arkansas tick diseases include common tick-borne diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, as well as emerging diseases like heartland virus and bourbon virus. The risks these emerging viruses pose to dogs and cats is not yet well understood. 

Types of Ticks in Arkansas Dangerous for Pets

  • American dog tick 
  • Blacklegged tick (deer tick) 
  • Brown dog tick
  • Gulf coast tick 
  • Lone star tick

Tick-Borne Diseases in Arkansas

  • Anaplasmosis
  • Bourbon virus
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Heartland virus
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Tularemia 

Ticks in Delaware

With 17 state parks, one national park and nearly 400 miles of beautiful coastline, Delaware offers ample opportunities for adventure, whether hiking, paddling, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery. Dogs are welcome at most state parks with some restrictions at state beaches in the warmer months.

Because the various species of Delaware ticks are active in different seasons, ticks are an issue all year long, according to Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Delaware tick diseases include Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. 

Types of Ticks in Delaware Dangerous for Pets

  • American dog tick
  • Asian longhorned tick
  • Blacklegged tick (deer tick) 
  • Brown dog tick
  • Gulf coast tick
  • Lone star tick

Tick-Borne Diseases in Delaware 

  • Anaplasmosis
  • Babesiosis 
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Ticks in Florida

Whether hiking, camping, paddling, or hanging at the beach, the Sunshine State has something for everyone—pets included! Leashed dogs are allowed at most of Florida’s whopping 175 state parks and some of the state’s 11 national parks, and you’ll find a bunch of dog friendly beaches, too. 

Because the various types of ticks in Florida are active in different seasons, tick season in Florida is generally year-round, according to the Florida Department of Health. Diseases carried by Florida ticks include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis.

Types of Ticks in Florida Dangerous for Pets

  • American dog tick 
  • Argasid tick (soft tick)
  • Blacklegged tick (deer tick) 
  • Gulf coast tick
  • Lone star tick

Tick-Borne Diseases in Florida

  • Anaplasmosis
  • Babesiosis 
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Heartland virus
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever 

Ticks in Georgia

If you love to explore, Georgia has a lot to offer, from waterfall hikes to camping, fishing, boating, paddling, and more. Dogs are welcome at the 63 Georgia State Parks, including all campgrounds and most hiking trails. Georgia even has some dog-friendly beaches. 

The different types of ticks in Georgia have varied active seasons, so ticks are found in Georgia most of the year. Georgia ticks carry common tick-borne diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, as well as emerging diseases like heartland virus. 

Types of Ticks in Georgia Dangerous for Pets

  • American dog tick 
  • Blacklegged tick (deer tick) 
  • Gulf coast tick
  • Lone star tick

Tick-Borne Diseases in Georgia

  • Anaplasmosis
  • Babesiosis
  • Bourbon virus
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Heartland virus
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Ticks in Kentucky

The Bluegrass State might be known for its horses, but Kentucky has plenty of draw for dogs, too. With 45 state parks and six national parks, Kentucky is prime for playing outdoors. Whether hiking, paddling, or just taking in a view of the Appalachian Mountains, be sure your pet is prepped with the right parasite control.

Various types of ticks in Kentucky are active in different months, so tick control products are recommended year-round. Ticks in Kentucky carry common tick-borne diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, as well as the rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection tularemia.

Types of Ticks in Kentucky Dangerous for Pets

  • American dog tick
  • Asian longhorned tick
  • Blacklegged tick (deer tick) 
  • Brown dog tick
  • Gulf coast tick
  • Lone star tick

Tick-Borne Diseases in Kentucky

  • Anaplasmosis
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Tularemia

Ticks in Louisiana

Whether you’re into hunting, fishing, camping, paddling, or hiking, Louisiana has a lot to offer pet loving adventurers. Dogs are welcome at Louisiana’s 38 state parks, five national parks, and many public beaches. 

Due to the varied months that the different Louisiana ticks are active, ticks are a threat to pets most the year. For this reason, veterinarians recommend using a parasite preventive that’s effective against ticks year-round. 

Types of Ticks in Louisiana Dangerous for Pets

  • American dog tick
  • Blacklegged tick (deer tick) 
  • Brown dog tick
  • Gulf coast tick
  • Lone star tick

Tick-Borne Diseases in Louisiana

  • Babesiosis
  • Ehrlichiosis 
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever 
  • Tularemia

Ticks in Maryland

Maryland is a water-lover’s dream, with abundant beaches and waterways prime for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and more. With 75 state parks and 16 national parks, there are plenty of places to explore. 

There are six types of ticks in Maryland, and some of them are active year-round. Maryland ticks carry many common tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Types of Ticks in Maryland Dangerous for Pets

  • American dog tick
  • Asian longhorned tick
  • Blacklegged tick (deer tick) 
  • Brown dog tick
  • Gulf coast tick
  • Lone star tick

Tick-Borne Diseases in Maryland

  • Anaplasmosis
  • Babesiosis
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Tick paralysis
  • Tularemia

Ticks in Mississippi

In the heart of the South, Mississippi has plenty of outdoor fun in store whether you enjoy fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, paddling, or sailing. Leashed pets are permitted in most of the 25 Mississippi State Parks and nine national parks. Some species of Mississippi ticks are active year-round, so pets are always at risk. 

Types of Ticks in Mississippi Dangerous for Pets

  • American dog tick
  • Blacklegged tick (deer tick) 
  • Brown dog tick
  • Gulf coast tick
  • Lone star tick

Tick-Borne Diseases in Mississippi

  • Anaplasmosis
  • Babesiosis
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Heartland virus
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Tularemia

Ticks in North Carolina

North Carolina seems to have it all, from beaches to waterfalls to forests. Whether you’re up for camping, hiking, hunting, swimming, or paddling, North Carolina is perfect for adventure. Leashed dogs are welcome at North Carolina’s 41 state parks, 10 national park sites, and four national forests. 

Due to the various seasonality of different types of ticks in North Carolina, ticks are a risk year-round, though spring, summer, and fall are the most active months. Some common tick-borne diseases transmitted by North Carolina ticks include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and ehrlichiosis.

Types of Ticks in North Carolina Dangerous for Pets

  • American dog tick
  • Asian longhorned tick
  • Blacklegged tick (deer tick) 
  • Brown dog tick
  • Gulf coast tick
  • Lone star tick

Tick-Borne Diseases in North Carolina 

  • Anaplasmosis
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Tularemia

Ticks in Oklahoma

There’s plenty to do with your pet in the gorgeous state of Oklahoma, whether you like swimming, hiking, boating or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery. Leashed dogs are welcome at Oklahoma’s 32 state parks and six national parks.

Oklahoma ticks carry several common tick-borne diseases, but the most significant is Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Five types of ticks in Oklahoma commonly affect pets.

Types of Ticks in Oklahoma Dangerous for Pets

  • American dog tick
  • Blacklegged tick (deer tick) 
  • Brown dog tick
  • Gulf coast tick
  • Lone star tick

Tick-Borne Diseases in Oklahoma

  • Anaplasmosis
  • Babesiosis
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Heartland virus
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Tularemia

Ticks in South Carolina

Like its sister state, North Carolina, South Carolina has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast, including beaches, waterfalls, rivers, forests, and mountains. Leashed dogs are welcome at South Carolina’s 47 state parks and seven national park sites.

There are six types of ticks in South Carolina that pose risks to pets, and they are active all year long.

Types of Ticks in South Carolina Dangerous for Pets

  • American dog tick 
  • Asian longhorned tick
  • Blacklegged tick (deer tick) 
  • Brown dog tick
  • Gulf coast tick
  • Lone star tick

Tick-Borne Diseases in South Carolina

  • Anaplasmosis
  • Babesiosis
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Heartland virus
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Tularemia

Ticks in Tennessee

Explore the wild in Tennessee with the state’s breathtaking scenery. Camping, hiking, paddling, hunting, fishing … you name it—Tennessee is brimming with outdoor adventure. Bring your dog or cat along to one of Tennessee’s 56 state parks or 13 national parks (pets must be on leash or crated). 

There are six different types of ticks in Tennessee that pose a threat to pets. Tick diseases in Tennessee include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis ehrlichiosis, and others. Various types of ticks in Tennessee are active in different months, so tick control products are recommended year-round.

Types of Ticks in Tennessee Dangerous for Pets

  • American dog tick 
  • Asian longhorned tick
  • Blacklegged tick (deer tick) 
  • Brown dog tick
  • Gulf coast tick
  • Lone star tick

Tick-Borne Diseases in Tennessee 

  • Anaplasmosis
  • Babesiosis
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Heartland virus
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Tularemia

Ticks in Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the opportunities for outdoor fun. From rivers to the Gulf of Mexico, beaches to forests, and desert to mountains, Texas has it all. Almost all of Texas’s 89 state parks allow dogs, and leashed dogs are welcomed at one of Texas’s two national parks (Guadalupe Mountains). 

Various types of ticks in Texas are active in different months, so tick control products are recommended year-round. Common tick-borne diseases in Texas include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and more. 

Types of Ticks in Texas Dangerous for Pets

  • American dog tick 
  • Blacklegged tick (deer tick) 
  • Brown dog tick
  • Gulf coast tick
  • Lone star tick

Tick-Borne Diseases in Texas

  • Anaplasmosis
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Hepatozoonosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Tick-borne relapsing fever
  • Tularemia

Living in the South: Protecting Your Pet From Parasites

To keep parasites off your pet, consider their lifestyle and what type of parasites they might encounter. Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors hiking, hunting, or hanging out at dog parks are at risk of encountering fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Cats who live strictly indoors might not need a tick control product, but fleas and mosquitoes can come inside, where they will make a beeline for your pet. 

Always check your pets carefully for ticks after they have been outdoors, especially after walking or hiking in brushy or wooded areas. Removing ticks within a few hours of attachment can help reduce transmission of tick-borne disease.

According to Dr. Qurollo, hunting dogs are more likely to encounter different parasites depending on their exposure to certain prey animals, and dogs and cats with strong prey drives and free access to small wild animals can also become infected with certain gastrointestinal worms or protozoa if the prey is ingested. 

“Owners can help limit infection from many different parasites by providing year-round flea, tick, heartworm, and GI parasite prevention,” she says. “Owners can limit exposure to other parasites by monitoring their pets’ time outside and preventing predation of wildlife.”

Experts recommend giving parasite protection year-round, regardless of which state you live in. It’s difficult to know when and where parasite activity starts and stops in any year. In the South especially, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes that transmit heartworm can be active most or all of the year. Fleas and mosquitoes can also weather cooler months by coming indoors.

Dr. Qurollo, who lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, found a mosquito in her house in the middle of January when temperatures outside were between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. “In my opinion, it’s not worth the risk of my dog or cat contracting heartworm disease to save a little money by skipping a few months of preventative,” she says. “Heartworm treatment for dogs that become infected is expensive and requires strict cage rest to help prevent complications from killing the worms.”

Dr. Rizzo also points out that monthly heartworm preventatives eliminate heartworm infections that were established the previous month, so consistent use all year is key to killing these dangerous parasites. “If mosquitoes remained active in October, it’s important for the pet to receive a heartworm preventive in November,” she says. 

Always talk to your veterinarian about the best parasite control for your pet. Many different products are available that kill multiple parasites, so your pet can be protected with one monthly treatment.  

“Combination products that target multiple parasites, such as fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworms, offer several advantages, including convenience and ease, which improves compliance,” Dr. Qurollo says. “It is often more cost-effective, too. Furthermore, animals on broad-spectrum parasite preventative can limit environmental spread.”

References

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Authored by

Jackie Brown

Jackie Brown is a freelance writer based out of California. She has an extensive background in pet health care, including veterinary and pet health topics, general care, nutrition, grooming, behavior, training, rescue and animal welfare, lifestyle, breeding and showing, dog sports and activities, and the human-animal bond. Jackie is a proud dog mom to one crazy miniature poodle and human mom to two crazy boys.

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Reviewed by

JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

Dr. JoAnna Pendergrass is a freelance medical writer who writes extensively in the pet owner education space. She is passionate about empowering pet parents with the pet care information they need to make good decisions about their pets' health. Through her writing, she fills the gap between what the veterinarian says and what the pet parent understands.

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