TV Presenter Chris Packham launches Tick Awareness Month

We were delighted, and very excited, to welcome TV Presenter and naturalist, Chris Packham, to the Commons on Friday 2nd September to announce the results of the Big Tick Project that has been carried out by Bristol University.  

In addition, Chris was here to launch Tick Awareness Month, the aim of which is to help raise awareness amongst dog owners and walkers about the threat from ticks and tick-borne disease as well as the preventative measures we can take to protect our dogs, cats and ourselves from the risk of tick-borne illnesses such as Lymes disease.

Over 7,000 dogs were involved in the Big Tick Project survey and a 1/3 of those were infested with ticks - and these weren't just confined to rural areas, your dog is as likely to pick up a tick in our towns and cities.  Tick numbers are increasing, mainly due to changing weather patterns which are resulting in prolonged periods of conditions that are favourable to ticks such as wetter summers and warmer winters. 

And as more and more people head out to spend their leisure time in "tick-habitats", there is an increased risk of exposure for people and dogs. 

Wimbledon and Putney Commons are, fortunately, not a hotspot for ticks, but obviously our proximity to Richmond Park and their deer means that it is wise to be aware of ticks and the problems they can cause.

Chris Packham talking to visitors to the Commons 

Prevention is better than cure

The importance of regularly checking your dog, and indeed your cats, children and yourself, was highlighted throughout the day in a series of talks but for our dogs in particular, it was stressed that prevention was better than cure and, with a range of products on the market to help, talking to your vet for advice on the best product to use was recommended.  

What to do if you find a tick on your pet 

It is important to dispose of any ticks you find hygienically and be careful not to release the live tick back into the environment, as it could re-attach itself to your pet or your family!

  • The ideal device for tick removal is a specially designed hook with a narrow slot, which needs to be slid with care under the tick at skin level so as to grip the tick. You can find these hooks at your vets office or local pet store.
  • Secure the hook in place around the mouthparts of the tick, ensuring that it is not entangled in the hair. The hook is then rotated around its axis several times until the attachment is freed. The loose tick will then be easily detached and removed without putting either the tick or skin under tension.
  • When attempting to remove a tick, avoid handling the parasite directly without gloves as ticks carry unpleasant infections.

 

You can help the survey by completing a short survey here

What to do if you find a tick on you

Being tick aware, by knowing what ticks look like and where they can be found and practicing prevention behaviours and will help you to avoid tick bites.  However, if you do get bitten, removing the tick quickly and correctly can help to reduce any potential risk:

  • Remove the tick as soon as possible
  • The safest way to remove a tick is to use the same tick removal tool as you would use for your dog (see above) or a pair of fine-tipped tweezers
  • Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
  • If using tweezers, pull upwards slowly and firmly, as any mouthparts left in the skin can cause a local infection
  • Once removed, apply antiseptic to the bite area or wash with soap an water and keep an eye on it for several weeks for any changes
  • Contact your GP if you begin to feel unwell, advising them that you have been bitten.

 

For more information on Lyme Disease, please visit Lyme Disease Action

With thanks to the Big Tick Project for all the information.