Timely tick tip-off
We’ve just been sent the following news release and thought it well worth sharing. Do take a read:
FARMERS AND SMALLHOLDERS WARNED TO BE TICK AWARE As the warmer weather begins, Lyme disease charity BADA-UK (Borreliosis and Associated Diseases Awareness-UK) is warning farmers and owners of smallholdings to be aware of tick-borne disease as they tend their crops and care for their livestock and working animals. Ticks carrying Borreliosis (also known as Lyme disease) are found in and around the UK. "Many areas with good ground cover and diverse wildlife (such as squirrels, hedgehogs and deer) can pose a potential risk" says Wendy Fox, Chair of BADA-UK, and a Lyme disease sufferer. "Tick-borne disease can result in the loss of livestock, aborted young and it can render a person incapable of working. Simple precautions can help prevent such effects". Tick Prevention Week, organised by BADA-UK, runs from April 12 - April 18th and aims to provide information to help prevent ticks from biting people and pets. It also gives advice on what to do if ticks do attach. This year's theme of 'DO ONE THING to raise awareness' provides lots of ideas and schools, activity clubs and specialist interest groups are encouraged to do their bit to raise awareness. Leaflets, posters and much more can be found at www.tickpreventionweek.org. Lyme disease is transmitted via the bite of an infected tick and can lead to serious complications including damage to the nervous system, joints, heart and other tissues. Figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show a year-on-year increase in cases of Lyme disease, with a marked increase over the past 6 years from 292 in 2003 to 813 in 2008 (the latest figures). However the HPA estimate up to 3,000 cases every year. Figures released by Health Protection Scotland have shown a dramatic rise in infection rates from 28 confirmed cases in 2001 to 285 cases in 2008. More information about Lyme disease and BADA-UK can be found at www.bada-uk.org.
