A sheep-farming MSP has warned the public to be on the alert for ticks, which can transmit Lyme’s Disease to humans.
Highlands and Islands Regional MSP Tim Eagle, who runs a small sheep-farm near Buckie, said that ironically it was improvements in the way that sheep are treated that has aggravated the problem.
“Some years ago sheep were routinely dipped using a highly toxic agent which certainly killed off ticks very effectively. However, it was withdrawn because of the threat to human health, particularly to farmers and shepherds who were exposed to the substance. That was a good thing, but an unfortunate outcome has been that the ticks benefited as well.
“If you combine that development with a trend towards warmer weather, an expansion in the number of deer which are also tick-carriers, and increasing bracken cover which ticks love, then you can understand why the number of ticks has increased so much in recent years.
“Ticks, because they carry Lyme’s Disease, which they can transmit to humans, are a growing menace and it is really important that people check themselves and their pets, if they have been outdoors. There is plenty of advice about ticks and Lyme’s Disease available and I would urge people to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of Lyme’s so that they can get prompt treatment if infected.
“There is very good guidance provided by the NHS and a good place to start is by checking their online advice at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/”
