While many public health offices in Canada have discontinued testing ticks for Lyme disease, Manitoba still does.

A government spokesperson says ticks can still be submitted using the tick checker.

A reason for discontinuing the tests is the length of the process.

Health offices recommend if a tick has been on you for 24 hours you should see a doctor instead of waiting weeks or months for a test result.

Several criteria have to be met in jurisdictions that recommend treatment following a tick bite.

The specimen must be correctly identified as a black-legged tick, have been attached for a minimum of 24 hours, have been removed within the last 72 hours and have been acquired from a region with an infection rate more than 20 per cent.

In Manitoba, there are some areas with tick infection rates greater than 20 per cent, but the government hasn’t recommended treatment at this time.

The government has left the decision to prescribe antibiotics up to the health care provider.

Currently, in the Prairie Mountain Health region, there are a number of reviews for possible cases of Lyme disease.

While tick numbers peak between May and July, black-legged ticks can be active all the way to snowfall.

The government encourages Manitobans to wear an appropriate repellant and to conduct tick-checks shortly after coming inside from outdoor activities.