Lyme looks to be spreading (in line with the increasing wild deer
population which carry the ticks). Sheep also carry ticks but were
not sure if they carry Lyme ticks.
It can easily go unnoticed but, if left to develop, can be a very
debilitating disease which attacks the central nervous system. Early
treatment with anti-biotics is quite successful.
It is important to note that few ticks carry Lyme and that removing
any ticks that do get on to you properly should stop any that do carry
it from transmitting the Lyme bacteria.
The advice is don't panic if you get bit by a tick, but do watch out
for a bulls-eye rash developing if you do (about a week after the
original bite). The rash looks just like a target (hence bulls-eye)
and I would advise seeing your local GP if it appears. You also
normally get flu like symptoms but not everyone does.
A few more facts about Lyme Disease:
- The ticks with Lyme can be found on sheep, small mammals, birds etc.
- The percentage of ticks carrying Lyme varies, but has been recorded as high as 20% in some areas.
- Only 50% of people get a rash, so be aware of the other symptoms.
Far better information and advice on Lyme than I can give can be found at
lymediseaseaction.org.uk. It is also usefull to learn about the
tick removal process.
by Jim Plunkett-Cole