What are ticks?

Ticks are small parasites with eight legs (closely related to spiders) that can be found on the external surfaces of hosts such as farm animals, companion animals, wildlife and sometimes humans.

Their colour, size and shape can vary. Their body is generally oval-shaped and starts out small but becomes much larger after feeding. Using specialised mouthparts, they attach firmly to their host and, as parasites, feed on their host's blood.

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Where do ticks live?

Across the UK, ticks can be found in both urban and rural areas.

They are most commonly found in long grass, fields, meadows, moorland, woodland, and areas with abundant wildlife or farm animals.

Unlike some other parasites, ticks do not jump or fly. Instead, they wait on vegetation and transfer to a host as it brushes past, before crawling onto the animal.

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When are ticks most active?

This depends on several factors, including geography, climate and habitat.

Ticks can be active throughout the year. However, they are most commonly seen between spring and autumn due to the warmer weather. During very cold or snowy periods, they may become less active or enter a dormant state, although they can still be active on milder winter days.

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Why are ticks a concern?

Ticks can attach to their host without initially being noticed and may only be discovered later when they are seen or felt on the skin.

As tick bites are often painless, there can be a delay before they are recognised and removed.

Ticks can pose several serious health risks to both animals and humans. For this reason, preventative measures should be taken to reduce the risk of the following:

• Disease transmission. Certain tick species can transmit disease. Not all ticks carry infection, and infection rates vary depending on location. In the UK, the proportion of infected ticks ranges from almost zero to around one in five, although rates are generally higher in parts of Europe. (Hansford et al. Ticks and Borrelia in urban and peri-urban green space habitats in a city in Southern England. Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases. 2016.)
• Allergic reactions. Tick bites can trigger an allergic reaction in some people and animals, resulting in swollen, itchy or red skin around the bite.
• Anaemia. Severe tick infestations, or infestations in particularly vulnerable animals, can lead to anaemia. This is more likely in livestock and wildlife but can also occur in young, elderly or otherwise susceptible companion animals if enough blood is lost through feeding ticks.
• Secondary skin infections. Tick bites can become infected if bacteria enter the wound.
• Economic impact. Tick infestations can reduce productivity in agricultural animals, affecting milk, meat or wool production. There are also financial implications associated with diagnosing and treating tick-borne diseases in companion animals.

What diseases can ticks transmit?

Ticks are capable of transmitting several diseases to animals and humans.

The most widely recognised is Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis).

Other tick-borne diseases include:

• Babesiosis
• Anaplasmosis
• Ehrlichiosis
• Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)

Some of these diseases were previously uncommon or absent in the UK but have emerged due to increasing pet travel and the importation of animals from overseas.

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What preventative measures can be taken against ticks?

You can help reduce the risk of tick bites by:

• Raising awareness of ticks and the diseases they may carry.
• Avoiding areas where ticks are commonly found. During the warmer months, it is advisable to keep to paths rather than allowing your pet to walk through long grass whenever possible.
• Using regular tick prevention products.
• Performing frequent tick checks.
• Removing ticks promptly and correctly.

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What is tick control?

If you live in a high-risk area, regularly visit areas where ticks are common, or travel abroad with your pet, it is advisable to speak to your vet about the most suitable tick prevention programme.

The best option will depend on several factors, including your pet's age, size, general health and lifestyle.

Tick prevention may include products designed to repel or kill ticks before they can feed. Many parasite control products also provide protection against ticks.

There are several options available, including collars, spot-on treatments and tablets. These products provide protection for different lengths of time, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your pet's needs.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure the product is used safely and effectively.

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How do I perform regular tick checks on my pet?

Take the time to examine your pet regularly in a quiet, well-lit area, ideally after every walk.

Pay particular attention to areas where ticks commonly attach, including:

• Around the head
• Inside and around the ears
• The neck
• Between the toes
• Under the armpits
• The underside
• Around the tail
• Around the genital area

Ticks can be very small, so carefully feel for any unusual lumps or bumps. Part the fur and inspect the skin thoroughly.

If you are unsure whether you have found a tick or have any concerns, contact your veterinary practice for advice.

If you find a tick, remove it using the method described below. Place the tick in a sealed bag before disposing of it. Avoid crushing the tick, as this may release infectious organisms and increase the risk of disease transmission.

Continue to monitor your pet for any signs of illness after tick exposure. Symptoms may include:

• Reduced appetite
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Lameness

If your pet develops any of these signs or you have any concerns about their health, contact your vet immediately.

Regular examinations not only help detect ticks but also allow you to monitor your pet's general health and well-being.

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What is prompt and appropriate tick removal?

Prompt removal should not be considered a replacement for regular tick prevention but should be used alongside other preventative measures.

Removing a tick as soon as possible reduces the length of time it remains attached, helping to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

The safest method is to use a dedicated tick removal tool, such as the O'Tom Tick Twister. (Insert image showing the correct twisting motion.)

These tools are designed to apply the correct twisting and lifting action, helping to remove the entire tick safely.

The mouthparts are extremely small and difficult to see, making complete removal challenging with ordinary tweezers. Incomplete removal may leave mouthparts behind, which can increase the risk of local irritation or infection.

It is also important not to squeeze the body of an attached tick during removal.

Once the tick has been removed, clean the affected area using a mild antiseptic solution.

RenaSan First Aid Spray and RenaSan Antiseptic Gel are vet-approved, sting-free, alcohol-free products that can be used to cleanse the skin after tick removal.

They are suitable for use on sensitive areas, including around the eyes and mouth, helping to keep the skin clean following tick removal.

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