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The UK is at Greater Risk from Lyme DiseaseDue to Climate Change |
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On February 12
this year the Department of Health issued a report entitled:
In it it warns dog owners to be alert to an increase in Lyme Disease and related deaths due to climate change.
This report suggests that their will be a rise in cases of Lymes Disease as the warmer climate means disease carrying parasites, in particular ticks, will live and breed longer which in turn will lead to the increased risk of tick-borne diseases being transmitted to humans and pets.
As the hotter climate encourages more people to get out and about in the countryside the chances of exposure to ticks and the environments in which they live is greatly increased, as is the risk of contracting the deadly disease. An additional article Infest-Nation: the ProMeris Parasite Report, supports this warning and also states that environmental officers report a trebling of problems with ticks and fleas in the last five years.
Vets are now reminding dog owners that they have a duty to help keep tick numbers under control. They believe that 75% of dog owners fail to treat their pets as often as they should.
Lyme Disease is a paralysing blood disease which results in blindness, paralysis and eventualy death. Once the tick attaches and begins to feed it transfers parasitic bacteria into the hosts bloodstream. The disease presents itself with non specific flu-like symptoms and the bite site displays signs of a red ring round it.
Lyme Disease is easy treatable if caught in the early stages, vets and environmental officers are asking people to look out for symptoms.
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
In it it warns dog owners to be alert to an increase in Lyme Disease and related deaths due to climate change.
This report suggests that their will be a rise in cases of Lymes Disease as the warmer climate means disease carrying parasites, in particular ticks, will live and breed longer which in turn will lead to the increased risk of tick-borne diseases being transmitted to humans and pets.
As the hotter climate encourages more people to get out and about in the countryside the chances of exposure to ticks and the environments in which they live is greatly increased, as is the risk of contracting the deadly disease. An additional article Infest-Nation: the ProMeris Parasite Report, supports this warning and also states that environmental officers report a trebling of problems with ticks and fleas in the last five years.
Vets are now reminding dog owners that they have a duty to help keep tick numbers under control. They believe that 75% of dog owners fail to treat their pets as often as they should.
Lyme Disease is a paralysing blood disease which results in blindness, paralysis and eventualy death. Once the tick attaches and begins to feed it transfers parasitic bacteria into the hosts bloodstream. The disease presents itself with non specific flu-like symptoms and the bite site displays signs of a red ring round it.
Lyme Disease is easy treatable if caught in the early stages, vets and environmental officers are asking people to look out for symptoms.
Vets Recommend You Take the Following Measures to Protect Your Dog |
| 1. Visit your local vet
and request a spot-on tick prevention that kills ticks within 24 hours 2. Check your dog for ticks whilst grooming 3. Be vigilant and take your pet to the vet if they show signs of illness |
To Protect You |
| 1. Stay on established
paths or bridleways 2. Be careful if sitting in fields with long grass and vegetation 3. Wear light co;oured c;othing so ticks are easily seen 4. Wear long sleeves and trousers and tuck trousers into socks 5. Check for ticks after walking and remove immediately 6. Inform your doctor of tick bites should you experience signs of illness |
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.