Increase in UK Tick Population

Scientists are warning that the recent wet and mild winter may cause an explosion in the tick population the UK, especially as the weather starts to warm up.  Tick numbers and the incidents of the diseases that they carry have increased in the last two decades.

Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of humans and the animals that they bite and can spread a number of diseases including Lyme disease.  Public Health England estimates that there are 2,000-3,000 cases of Lyme disease each year in England and Wales with approximately 20% picked up abroad.

As well as humans, animals that have access to the outside can be affected by ticks and subsequently disease.  As a result of the increasing population of ticks in the UK it is important that we are all tick aware and Lyme disease aware for both ourselves and our animals.

Parts of the UK known to have a high population of ticks include:

• Exmoor
• the New Forest in Hampshire
• the South Downs
• parts of Wiltshire and Berkshire
• Thetford Forest in Norfolk
• the Lake District
• the Yorkshire Moors
• the Scottish Highlands

Lyme Disease & People

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to people as a result of a tick bite.  Tick bites can go unnoticed for days before dropping off, the longer a tick is feeding the greater chance of the spread of infection.  The earliest and most common symptoms of Lyme disease is a pink or red circular rash that develops around the site of the bite from 3-30 days after a bite.  

An infected person may have flu like symptoms, aching joints, muscle pain and headaches.  If Lyme disease is not treated, further symptoms may develop over months and years and cause symptoms that are similar to chronic fatigue and neurological problems.  There is no vaccine for Lyme disease but it can be treated with a course of antibiotics.

Avoid Tick Bites

Ticks are usually more prevalent in areas of heathland and woodland although studies have found that their population is increasing even in parkland.  Bites tend to be more common in spring and autumn and of course in warm weather when people are outside and uncovered.  

When you are in areas where there may be ticks you can protect yourself by:

• Covering your skin with long shirts and trousers.
• Tuck trousers in socks
• Use insect repellent
• Check yourself, children and pets for ticks

Tick Removal

If you discover a tick remove it by gently gripping the tick as close to the skin as possible with tweezers and pull away from the skin.  Avoid breaking the tick and do not try to burn it out.  If you cannot get the tick out or part of it is stuck in the skin then seek medical advice.

Lyme Disease in Horses

The first definite case of Lyme disease was diagnosed in a horse in Sussex in 1993.  Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose in horses as it often mimics other conditions, samples of blood, urine or joint fluid are usually used to test for Lyme disease in horses.  Lyme disease is still rare in horses in the UK but awareness is important.

Symptoms include:

• The horse will often have a temperature and become depressed.
• Affected horses will loose their appetite and loose weight rapidly
• Affected horses may show signs of eye pain
• Lameness is usually apparent in one of more legs
• Arthritis and joint swelling is usually apparent
• The disease can affect the brain and cause behavioural changes, neaurological problems and sporadic paralysis.

Lyme disease is not usually fatal in horses except occasionally in foals, however it can cause long term problems such as arthritis and brain problems.  As with people, horses can be successfully treated with antibiotics.

It is difficult to prevent ticks, especially in areas where they are prevalent.  Regular grooming is helpful as ticks are more likely to be discovered.  Also tick prevention spray can be used to deter ticks.