Ticks already active in Wisconsin woods

WAUSAU (AP) -- With the early warm weather, ticks are already active in the woods of Wisconsin this spring.

Marathon County has confirmed three cases of Lyme disease so far this year. Lyme disease is an illness caused by a bacteria carried by deer ticks.

Ticks feed off of blood, so it's common for them to hitch a ride on any warm body, including people and pets.

The Marathon County Humane Society is seeing a steady stream of tick-infested animals coming into the shelter.

The animals are thoroughly checked each time one arrives or after a walk. Staff have had to medicate the animals earlier than normal this year.