MINNEAPOLIS, April 24, 2008—Deer ticks are spreading in the northern and western parts of the state, according to a report in the Grand Forks Herald.

Southern Beltrami County, southeastern Clearwater County, eastern Becker County and all of Hubbard and Cass counties now are considered high-risk areas for tick-borne diseases.

The number of Lyme disease cases in Minnesota set a record last year, when more than 1,200 people contracted the tick-borne disease. The number has been going up about 10 percent every year.

Deer ticks thrive in hardwood forest habitat with brushy areas.