One In Three Dogs Carry Ticks That Could Spread Lyme Disease

Almost one in three dogs in the UK carry ticks, according to a new study.

While the tiny insects can be an irritatation for pet pooches, they also pose a risk to humans as they can transmit bacteria that cause infections such as Lyme disease.

This can lead to very serious conditions including meningitis or heart failure if left untreated, even proving fatal.

Researchers found that the creatures were present all across the country, with the likelihood of a dog picking one up equal in both rural and urban areas.

Scientists from the Big Tick Project at the University of Bristol examined a
study of almost 15,000 dogs from across the UK last year and found the highest risk areas to be the South West, East Anglia and Scotland.

Springwatch presenter Chris Packham has called on dog owners to be more aware of the risk of their pet pooches picking up ticks.

Professor Richard Wall, who led the project, said: “The work that we have carried out shows that ticks are extremely widely dispersed. The records that we have got appear to show that we have had an increase in tick numbers right across the country.

"As there seems to be a rise in tick numbers, we need to be concerned and be aware of the potential for increasing problems.”

The growing threat is thought to be partly down to the wet, warm winters the UK has had in recent years, meaning ticks can start feeding earlier and for longer throughout the year.

Ticks do not jump or fly, but wait until an animal or person brushes past to climb on.

They then bite to attach to the skin and start to feed on the blood.

According to Public Health England, it is estimated that there are 2,000 to 3,000 new confirmed cases of Lyme disease in England and Wales each year.

Image credit: Roger Tidman/FLPA / imageBROKER/REX/Shutterstock