Ticks are on the rise and are an emerging risk to our pets; they are second only to mosquitoes in terms of their public health implications (1). Several species are native in the UK and they are widespread. Ticks are external, opportunistic parasites that feed on the blood of mammals such as dogs, deer and humans; whilst doing so they spread diseases to us and our pets.

 

One of the members of a Cardiff community group was recently diagnosed with Lyme disease. This disease is transmitted by an infected tick bite; Public Health England estimates that the number of new Lyme disease cases is approximately 3000 every year (2). In dogs, Lyme disease can cause lameness, fever anorexia, lethargy and kidney failure; in humans Lyme disease may cause a rash and flu-like symptoms and in some cases can produce problems with joints, heart and the nervous system (1).

 

Another vector-born pathogen causes Babesiosis, a life-threatening disease, which has been brought into the UK news recently because of reports in four dogs from Essex (3). The tick, Dermacentor reticulatus, which carries the pathogen Babesia canis is a growing concern now for animal health. ESCCAP UK & Ireland offer the following advise with regards to ticks and their associated diseases (4):

 

• Cover up yourself when in contact with grass or undergrowth.

 

• Consider the use of pyrethroid impregnated clothing.

 

• Check for ticks at least every 24 hours and remove any carefully with a tick hook with a “twist and pull” action.

 

• Do not apply paraffin to ticks, or attempt to crush or burn them, before removal as this will increase the likelihood of disease transmission.

• Check pets at least every 24 hours and remove ticks as above.

 

• In the UK, a product that rapidly kills ticks or repels them should be considered for dogs whose lifestyle put them at high risk of tick exposure.

 

Some local community groups are warning the public about ticks as shown in the

photograph below spotted by ESCCAP vet, Ian Wright.