It is important that ticks are controlled effectively as they have the potential for transmitting Lyme disease to both dogs and man. Lyme disease was first identified in 1977 in Lyme, Connecticut, U.S.A., where it is known to occur in 14 different states. The disease is transmitted by the tick. The survival of the infection is assured by the high animal tick infestation. Man is the accidental host in the cycle. Man becomes infected when bitten by a tick. The optimum time for this to occur is in the Spring and Summer when ticks are in their greatest numbers in nature. Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose as the symptoms can arise some time after the tick bite by which time it has been forgotten or not thought to be important.The occupational groups which are at most risk appear to be, forestry workers, farmers, farm labourers, anyone in fact whose work involves being outside in the rural community. However it should also be stated that those who follow leisure pursuits such as walking, golf, fishing, shooting, animal related hobbies or simply escaping to the countryside for a holiday in a tent or caravan must also be considered at risk.
After being bitten by a tick, a skin lesion appears from 3 to 20 days. The lesion initially begins with a red area that widens. It has clear borders and as the centre of the lesion pales, an erythema starts to form. The erythema may be recurrent and appear in different parts of the body. This may be accompanied be fever and feeling unwell. Some patients may develop further symptoms after a few weeks or months. Arthritic attacks in the large joints is not uncommon and may persist for some years.
Lyme disease occurs in sheep, cattle, horses and dogs. The infection is transmitted by ticks from animals in nature, Animals are affected by a multi- systemic disease including weight loss, swollen joints, lameness and muscle pain.
Prevention is the key factor when dealing with ticks. Preparations exist that can be acquired from a veterinary surgeon that will ensure ticks do not survive in your dogs (and cats) coat undetected. Our animal's health and welfare is closely bound up to our own. We do our animals and ourselves a great service by ensuring we take the matter seriously and make sure ticks never become a problem.