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Ticks
Rangers in Danger!
According to recent research, ticks and tick-borne diseases are on the increase. The warmer climate and freedom of travel for people are just some of the possible contributing factors but it is essential for everyone involved in animal and land management, or outdoor pursuits, to understand the risks and how to protect themselves.Ticks can carry certain bacteria and viruses spreading infection
BADA-UK is a group of people sufferering the effects of Lyme disease/Borreliosis who aim to improve awareness and educate the public to recognise the problem and how best to protect themselves against infection.
Tricky ticks
Ticks are to be found in vegetation on paths, in paddocks/grassland,
woodland, hedgerows, gardens, urban parks and even buildings that support large
populations of roosting birds and vermin. They are indiscriminate feeders and
are known to infest and infect wildlife, birds, farm animals and domestic pets
as well as humans. Infected ticks can carry certain bacteria and viruses spreading
infection far and wide.
It is the sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus) that attaches most commonly to humans. The adult female lays eggs on the ground from early spring. These hatch into tiny larvae (0.5mm) which feed on small/medium sized mammals and birds, moulting into nymphs. The tick then feeds again and moults to the final adult stage. After mating and a final blood meal the female lays one batch of thousands of eggs, then dies.
Ticks are designed to bite and feed unnoticed. Their saliva contains a natural anaesthetic, enabling it to feed without causing irritation. Bacteria and viruses that the tick may be carrying, can enter the host’s bloodstream via the saliva.
Hosts of hosts
The Game Conservancy Trust has been studying the impact of
Ixodes ricinus and the disease Louping-ill on red grouse in Scotland. In 1985
around 4% of grouse chicks were infested with ticks; by 2003 the figure had
risen to 92%, and of these up to 80% of infected chicks died. After radio-tracking
wading birds, scientists reported chicks as young as three weeks old with heavy
tick infestations. Studies show that hares can be important hosts and where
sheep were treated with acaricide, hares then fed the greatest proportion of
adult ticks. In addition to hares; grey squirrels, shrews/voles and pheasants
also act as suitable hosts. Surveys have shown that infected ticks populate
many parts of the UK from the remote isles of Scotland to urban parks.
As most rangers perform their regular duties, exposure to tick habitat is inevitable. Fencing, forest and footpath management will put them at risk of being bitten. Farming activities can also have an impact on the population of ticks. Sheep dip can help lessen the number of ticks and the risk of Louping-ill or tick fever in sheep.
In the UK there are several known tick-related diseases that can cause debilitating symptoms and even permanent disability or death in humans. Borreliosis (of which Lyme disease is one type) can be a difficult infection to eradicate if not identified and treated quickly. Many people can become asymptomatic carriers of the disease. Just like chicken pox, which can later develop into shingles, or glandular fever (Epstein - Barr virus), such infections are merely suppressed by the immune system and never truly eradicated. Further stress to the immune system can result in activation of a latent infection months or even years after transmission occurs.
The best way to avoid a tick bite is to wear garments with elasticated or drawstring cuffs and waistbands, and tuck trousers into socks. Wear light clothing so that ticks are easier to see. Make regular checks for ticks paying attention to areas such as the back of the knee, groin, underarm and scalp. Use insect repellant on clothing and remember to re-apply regularly.
“Tick-list”
If you find an attached tick, remove it as soon as possible.
Correct removal can lessen the chance of infection.