Tick-borne Infestations on the Rise in UK

Researchers from the University of Bristol have noticed that the number of dogs infested with parasites is far higher than previous records. They have found a breed of bloodsucking tick (Dermacentor reticulates) for the first time in UK. These ticks are a major disease vector in continental Europe and might have arrived in UK due to climate changes. Now scientists fear that the disease carried by these ticks could possibly infect humans and animals in the country.

3,500 dogs were studied during the research. It was found that at any one time 15% of dogs were infested with ticks. This research has serious implications for the increased incidence of tick-borne disease among dogs. Gun dogs like retrievers, setters and spaniels, plus terriers and pastoral breeds which are traditionally used to guard livestock are found to be most susceptible for tick infestations. Long-haired species were more susceptible than short-haired breeds.

Tick-borne Disease Baffles China Authorities
Public fears about a tick-borne disease that has killed more than 30 people since 2007 are being assuaged by health authorities in China

Source-Medindia

Report Confirms Four Austrians Suffer Tick-borne Encephalitis from Cheese
Four people recently fell ill with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in western Austria after eating homemade goats' cheese, medical experts reported Thursday.

Lyme Disease Cases Rising In The U.S
Health officials are sounding the alarm as cases of Lyme disease increase in regions of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and neighboring regions.

Ticks like Sunny Weather
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) Americans suffer from Lyme and other tick-borne diseases in the month of May, June and July.