Ticks and Lyme disease

[nightshade]

Just a reminder that as you push out into the countryside to check thoughroughly afterwards for Ticks (groin and armpits being favoured areas)
Oh! and check the dog as well it may be carrying enough for two. Lyme disease is on the increase and coming your way

[earthdragon64]

Totally agree, you can't be too careful, if you do find one that has bitten, remove carefully with a proper tick removal tool or fine-nosed tweezers. If you have been bitten and develop any flu-like symptoms, or a rash around the site of the bite, get to a GP.

My husband got Lyme disease last year. Thankfully because we are aware of the possible problems with tick bites it was picked up very quickly. He was put on antibiotics immediately and recovered quickly, the worst symptom he had was that he got easily tired for a month or so.

Regards, Audrey.

[darrenm]

Working in a team for the last three summers and dealing with sheep on regular basis we would keep an eye on the sheep for any sign of ticks and for the first two years nothing but last year a new batch of sheep were brought in and with them came ticks. Soon after i found a very fresh killed (still warm) Rabbit which had quite a few ticks and decided to be very cautious when working or patrolling in that area. It pays to be very cautious if ticks are known to be about or even if they are not and Lymes Disease is a very nasty thing if caught and not treated. I agree totally with earthdragon64 and if bitten and any symptoms develop seek medical help quickly.

[nightshade]

Explain your fears of Lyme disease, the GP may be more sympathetic, symptoms
flu like muscle pains, red spot at bite site with a pale centre, could be more spots elsewhere. 2-4 weeks for antibodies to show in blood tests. Treatment Antibiotics.