Ticks – not your best friend’s friend.
2nd September 2016
2nd September 2016
This morning the BBC reported that a veterinary study by Bristol University in conjunction with MSD Animal Health, called the Big Tick Project is, for the second year in a row, setting out to study the ever-growing problem of tick-borne diseases in the UK and what we as dog lovers can do to keep us, and our pets, safe.
The project is primarily aimed at vets, asking them to record data from animals that come into their surgeries, however, the information they give on their website is so good, and so easy to follow, that we wanted to bring it to your attention and share the information with our Petpals followers. All of this information is taken directly from the Big Tick Project website, www.bigtickproject.co.uk We have summarised the main pages and provided links for you to go and find out more. We hope you find this information useful. Of course, as ever if you are concerned, please take your dog directly to your local vets.
What is the Big Tick Project?
The Big Tick Project was launched in April 2015 in the New Forest in Hampshire, England by TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham together with Professor Richard Wall, researcher Swaid Abdulah and veterinary dermatologist Paul Sands, MRCVS. The project was started as an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of ticks and tick-borne disease in the UK – and as a way to educate pet owners on how to protect against them.
Read more: http://www.bigtickproject.co.uk/about
Update on Ticks in the UK
In recent years, ticks and the diseases they carry have become a rapidly growing problem across the UK.1, 3 In fact, in Great Britain the distribution of ticks is estimated to have expanded by 17% in the last ten years, and the abundance of ticks have increased at 73% of the locations surveyed by the Big Tick Project.2
Read more: http://www.bigtickproject.co.uk/ticks-in-the-uk/
The Risks of Ticks
Ticks are a widespread and expanding threat across the UK. In recent years, they have begun to start feeding earlier in the year and for a longer duration of time. And ticks are not only active earlier than ever, they are also carrying potentially new and harmful diseases. All this puts your pets at a greater risk1, 2
Read more: http://www.bigtickproject.co.uk/tick-facts/the-risk-of-ticks/
Tick Control
You want your pet to be protected. But when it comes to treating them against the dangers of ticks, there is a multitude of options available.
Read more: http://www.bigtickproject.co.uk/tick-facts/tick-control/
If your pet has a tick
Even with the proper knowledge and preventative methods in place, your pet can still come in contact with ticks. Find out what to do if you find one on them. Find out all about:
- How to find a tick
- If you find a lump
- What to do when you find a tick
- How to remove a tick
Read more: http://www.bigtickproject.co.uk/tick-facts/if-your-pet-has-a-tick/
You can follow the Big Tick Project on social media too:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mypetonlineuk/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/bigtickproject