Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease is a tick-borne bacterium that is carried by deer and can affect humans, Tick bites are generally painless and often only detected after further symptoms occur. The problem is being exacerbated in Britain by the burgeoning population of deer.
The disease presents a serious health risk, and if not treated can lead to a chronic problem. The more severe long-term consequences can include chronic inflammation of the joints and a damaging effect on the heart and nervous system. The immediate symptoms include headache, fever and the characteristic ‘bull’s eye’ rash.
The most recent scientific approach to the problem as been to focus on an effective insecticide. A new spray pesticide, to be marketed in 2014, with the appropriate name Tick-Ex, has now emerged which has been derived from a strain of soil based species of fungus Metarhizium anisopliae.
What can we do to avoid tics and how can we recognise them?
Never wear shorts when walking in the countryside through grass and woodland areas, Tuck trousers into your socks or wear gaiters. The ticks are very small and not easily detected. After a day out it is always best to check your hands and face and any other parts of the body not covered. If you do find them, they look like small blackheads, remove immediately with tweezers and destroy.
