The Martin County Humane Society is urging pet owners to protect their outdoor cats against ticks, following a confirmed case of a deadly tick-borne disease, Cytauxzoonosis, in the Loogootee area. This emerging illness, spread through tick bites, causes acute sickness in cats and has a high mortality rate. There is no cure or vaccine available, making flea and tick prevention the only defense. Pet owners are strongly encouraged to ensure their outdoor cats are on proper tick protection immediately.
