Preventing tick-borne disease

Abstract

Introduction: A study has shown that, unknown to their owners, 15% of dogs presenting at veterinary practices in the UK were infested with ticks ( Smith et al, 2011 ). It has also been estimated that one in 200 dogs was carrying a borrelia-infected tick ( Smith et al, 2012 ). Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease affecting humans and pets in Europe, with over 65 000 human cases reported annually ( Rizzoli et al, 2011 ). Its prevalence is reported to be increasing and, in the UK, rates have risen by over 350% between 2001 and 2011 ( Health Protection Agency, 2013 ). The risk of tick-borne disease is likely to be higher than previously thought, so it is more important than ever for pets to be protected against ticks and associated disease (Anon, 2012). Preventative measures include avoiding high-risk areas, regular application of an acaricide and vaccination against Lyme disease.