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 Events

Fun and birds aplenty at Trewithen

Fun and birds aplenty at Trewithen

Cornish Field Trial Society novice A.V. trial at Trewithen.... Read more


More in Gundogs Events...


Gundogs Health

How much should I feed my gun dog?

How much should I feed my gun dog?

How many times should I feed my gun dog everyday?... Read more


More in Gundogs Health...



Comments


Post your comment:

Shooting Times & Country Magazine

Shooting Times & Country Magazine

Don't miss out on this week's 132-page Christmas special issue — packed with the very best from the world of fieldsports!


Latest articles

Land agent cleared over RSPB pesticides claim

Land agent cleared over RSPB pesticides claim

A land agent, with responsibility for Lord Vestey’s grouse moors ... Read more


Natural England scraps rabbit control legislation

Natural England scraps rabbit control legislation

Natural England (NE) has enraged landowners and farmers by scrapping l... Read more


More in Latest articles...



Shooting Poll Take part in our poll

Have rural communities been marginalised and neglected by the government?