HALIFAX — Ticks collected from the Gunning Cove area near Shelburne have been identified as the type capable of carrying and transmitting Lyme disease.

The blacklegged ticks were found as part of a surveillance program by the province and the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. The lab is testing 20 ticks found near Shelburne to see if they carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Those tests are expected back next week.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be identified by a bull's-eye rash and symptoms that include fever, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches.

Facial palsy, heart problems or chronic joint problems may develop if people don't get treatment.