Officials Deny Claims of US and Canada Government Dropping Ticks on Farms

Government and health officials in the U.S. and Canada have denied claims that authorities are dropping boxes of ticks onto farms.

These denials follow a wave of conspiracy theories suggesting that governments are deliberately spreading disease-carrying parasites to harm agricultural areas. The misinformation targets farms in Canada and specific regions of the United States, including Kentucky.

Kentucky health officials said there is no evidence to support the claim that boxes of ticks are being dropped on farms ^[3]. The narrative has circulated through unnamed conspiracy-theory promoters who allege a coordinated effort by authorities to infect livestock and people.

CBC News said the claim that the government is dropping ticks on farms is a conspiracy with no basis in fact ^[1]. The misinformation gained traction in 2024 as videos and posts circulated across social media platforms.

While officials debunked the conspiracy, they noted a genuine increase in tick-related medical issues. A spokesperson for the Kentucky Department of Public Health said emergency-room visits for tick bites are the highest they have seen since 2017 ^[3].

Public health experts emphasize that tick populations fluctuate based on environmental factors, and wildlife migration. The rise in hospital visits reflects a biological trend rather than a government operation, a distinction officials believe is necessary to maintain public trust in health guidance.

Authorities in both nations continue to monitor tick populations to prevent the spread of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. They encourage farmers and residents to use preventative measures, and report unusual parasite activity to legitimate agricultural agencies.