Ticks and fleas leap to record high*

 Wet summer causes ticks and flea outbreak

Last Updated: 1:56am BST 15/10/2007

Britain is experiencing an unprecedented outbreak of ticks and fleas
this autumn, caused by the wet summer and prolonged mild weather conditions.

Numbers of these parasites are at an all time high, with environmental
health officers reporting a trebling in the number of cases over the
past five years, putting humans and their pets at risk of infection.

Ticks and fleas leap to record high
Ticks can carry Lyme disease

Vets have reported a significant upsurge in the number of cases and
claim dirty homes, busy lifestyles and general ignorance are also
contributory factors.

Experts are warning that the problem is set to worsen over the next few
weeks as this autumn is likely to provide the ideal conditions for the
disease carrying parasites, creating serious implications for human
health. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, a paralysing blood disease which
can cause blindness and even death.

Sabrina Stroud, the business manager for animal health care brand
ProMeris UK, that carried out the research, said: "Our increasingly busy
lifestyles can get in the way of regular treatment for fleas and ticks.
During this peak autumn period it is vital that pet owners use a monthly
spot-on treatment and take a proactive approach to prevention. Climate
change and the damp summer have created the perfect breeding conditions."

The ProMeris report also disclosed that nearly a half of pet owners do
not know where to check for fleas or ticks and 75 per cent of cat and
dog owners do not treat their animals as frequently as the recommended
once a month.
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Although steps can be taken to prevent Lyme disease, it can lead to
paralysis, blindness or even death for humans and lameness, joint
problems and heart and kidney problems for pets.

According to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) there were 768 reported
cases of Lyme disease in Britain last year compare with 292 in 2003, a
rise of 263 per cent. The HPA estimates that up to 2,000 cases go
unreported each year.

Hampshire has been worst hit with more than 220 cases reported in the
past year. Salisbury Plain, Exmoor, Dartmoor and the South Downs are
also danger areas.

The dampest summer since records began in 1914, and the relatively mild
weather has allowed tick and flea populations to remain active for
longer than usual.

Ian Burgess, the director of Insect Research and Development Ltd, said:
"I have been studying insects and parasites for over 30 years and flea
and tick numbers are now at an all time high. The ProMeris parasite
report reveals some alarming statistics, and this year has created ideal
conditions for fleas and ticks to survive and breed".