Warmer weather prompts tick warning

IN the run up to the Easter bank holiday, pet owners across the UK are being warned of a potential increase in the risk of their pet picking up a tick. Bayer Animal Health says that a favourable spring climate allows ticks to begin feeding earlier and for longer throughout the year. This increase in tick activity could lead to a greater risk of zoonotic diseases such as Lyme disease. ‘Easter time is perfect parasite season,’ said Jenny Helm, a veterinary clinician from the University of Glasgow. ‘Tick bites are painful, irritating and can cause anxiety as well as distress to our pets. It's important for pet owners to be aware that tick bites can lead to other more harmful problems such as anaemia especially in young dogs.’ Bayer is also warning that increased pet travel over Easter could widen the distribution of ticks such as...
Source: Veterinary Record - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: News section Source Type: research