Climate change increases parasite numbers on moors

Friday, 15 August 2008

A recent GWCT conference has highlighted how parasite numbers are crippling some moors

The parasitic strongyle worm and a growing tick abundance are becoming worrying problems for grouse interests, according to a national conference held in Harrogate, North Yorkshire on 11 August by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).

Despite more than 150 delegates being told that the prospects for the forthcoming red grouse shooting season are the best for more than a decade, some areas are struggling with increasing tick numbers. “In many areas, this is going to be a glorious grouse season, but for other areas range contraction of red grouse caused by a burgeoning number of parasites is becoming a real problem,” said Dr David Baines,
head of the GWCT’s upland research.

Delegates heard how warmer and wetter winters are causing a marked increase in ticks and that techniques such as using sheep as tick mops to reduce the numbers of the parasite are vital.

What is YOUR opinion? How can we control parasite and tick numbers on certain moors?

Join other ST readers in our forums to discuss your views.



Like this article? Mark this page on a social bookmarking website...



What are social bookmarking sites?


CompPrevious
Rare Gundog breeds in Kennel club art exhibition

Rare Gundog breeds in Kennel club art exhibition

Rare gundog breeds are among the Kennel Club Art G...

CompNext
NFU calls for an end to 4x4 tax rises

NFU calls for an end to 4x4 tax rises

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the Env...


Gundogs Training

When gundog training, how do I teach 'get back'?

Gundog training: How do I train my gundog to 'get back' when... Read more


More in Gundogs Training...


Gundogs Events

Competing puppies & novices at Milland

The Arun and Downland Gundog Society ran a special puppy and novice do... Read more


More in Gundogs Events...



Comments

Shooting Gazette September 2010

Shooting Gazette September 2010

PERFECT DELIVERY - The best in driven shooting direct to your door

The Field September 2010 issue

The Field September 2010 issue

Harleys, shoot insurance, fungi, monster veg

Shooting Times & Country Magazine

Shooting Times & Country Magazine

Don't miss our partridge and duck special in this week's Shooting Times (on sale Wednesday 1st September). Plus, how to save money on feed on your shoot and as his Labrador nears the end of her pregnancy, Tony Jackson gets ready for the new arrivals. For all this and much more get down to your newsagents today!


Latest articles

Firearms control: deadline for your submissions extended

Firearms control: deadline for your submissions extended

Shooting community crashes Westminster computers as deadline for firea... Read more


BASC submits firearms evidence to Parliament

BASC submits firearms evidence to Parliament

After submitting written recommendations to the HASC, BASC seeks to gi... Read more


More in Latest articles...