ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - A new study shows it’s not just the White Tailed Deer that tics with Lyme Disease feed on.    Washington University Biology Professor Robert Thach says the common grey squirrel has been added to the list.

“We’re trying to assess how serious the danger is to people who have squirrels in their back yard.  Our preliminary findings suggest that it’s only if they have lots of ticks” said Professor Thach.

New D.N.A. technology shows ticks found on squirrels were shown to be carrying ehrlichiosis and Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness.   Both are related to Lyme Disease.

Three percent of the people who contract ehrlichiosis die.  He says it hits quickly and is difficult to diagnose because of the non-specific symptoms.