Cross ticks

Local gardeners may have been dismayed by the unusually hard frosts that Budleigh has experienced. But pets and their owners should be pleased that the cold weather will have helped to see off many of the pests and parasites which can turn a pleasant summer walk in the woods into an annoying and even dangerous experience.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in cases of Lyme disease in the UK, from under 200 in 1997 to nearly 600 in 2005. The rise has been blamed on the growing number of infected ticks carrying the spiral-shaped bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried by some types of ticks which live on sheep, deer, badgers and other warmblooded animals in forested, heathland and moorland areas.

East Devon MP Hugo Swire has been at the forefront of a campaign to draw attention to the problem and organised a one-day seminar at the House of Commons in November last year. “Lyme disease is like an alien,” he says. “The bacteria tries to take over your body. It is very serious and can make you permanently disabled. We need to be more aware of its dangers and more open to its diagnosis and more determined in its treatment.” Mr Swire was prompted to speak out on the issue by a constituent from Sidmouth, Stella Huyshe-Shires, who contracted the disease in 1999 but was not diagnosed until 2002, and then only because she insisted on a blood test and a referral to a neurologist. She approached the MP because she was concerned that knowledge of the affliction amongst GPs and consultants was insufficient.

Infected ticks can transmit the organisms during blood feeds, when they may be attached to the skin for several days if left undisturbed. The most common problem associated with the infection is a rash spreading from the site of a tick bite, but other more serious problems can occur. These include a viral-like meningitis, facial palsy, other nerve damage or arthritis.

“No vaccine against Lyme disease is currently available, so tick awareness, appropriate clothing in tick infested areas, and early removal of attached ticks remain the most important prevention measures,” says Mr Swire.

While ticks can attach themselves to humans, most people become aware of the blood-sucking parasites when they discover that their pet cat or dog has an unexpected lump which turns out to be an engorged tick. The pests can be easily removed with a tick hook, available at veterinary practices, but it is important to remove the entire tick including the head.

Hopefully we will see fewer of these annoying creatures this year. “Last winter I was removing ticks regularly from animals. I have not personally done one in the last few months,” says local vet Chris Ridge of Raddenstiles Veterinary Centre on Salterton Road. “I would say the frosts will be of benefit in reducing the impact of ticks and other arthropod parasites where the reservoir of infection is outside the home.”

Unfortunately the cold winter will not have seen off all parasites, warns Mr Ridge. “Those that breed and reside in our homes – primarily the ever present flea – tend to benefit as we turn the central heating up so that our carpets and flooring have the microclimate of the African Savannah.”


A sizeable problem: ticks can grow alarmingly if left attached.
Ticks will bury themselves deep in your pet’s hair or fur. Hook and twist, and the little monster can be disposed of.

Picture credit: http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/