Ticks and Lyme disease: how country sports lovers can stay safe

There are a few things guaranteed to spoil the satisfaction of a successful day in the countryside. A soaking from an unexpected downpour, perhaps, or discovering that the dog has found the one patch of boggy ground in an otherwise dry field. Yet for many of us who spend our time shooting, stalking or simply enjoying the countryside, another nuisance lurks in the undergrowth: the humble tick.

Most country sports enthusiasts will be familiar with them. Whether picked up while pushing through bracken after a roebuck, crossing heather-clad moorland or discovered while grooming a dog after a day in the field, ticks have become an increasingly common feature of our countryside life. Many stalkers would argue they seem to be more abundant now than ever.

Why do ticks seem to be increasing?

While it is difficult to pinpoint a single cause, a combination of factors may be helping ticks to thrive. Milder winters, wetter conditions and expanding deer populations all provide opportunities for them to flourish. Add to that the increase in woodland creation and habitat restoration projects across the country, and it is very easy to see why suitable tick habitats appear to be expanding. Whatever the reason, ticks are here to stay, and with summer upon us it is worth reminding ourselves of the risks they pose.

What are ticks and where are they found?

Ticks are not insects, as many people assume, but arachnids – making them relatives of spiders and mites. The species most commonly encountered in Britain is the sheep tick, Ixodes ricinus, which is found throughout much of the UK in woodland, rough grassland, moorland and heath.

Unlike horseflies or mosquitoes, ticks do not actively hunt their prey. Instead, they wait patiently on vegetation, extending their front legs in the hope of latching on to a passing host. That host may be a deer, sheep, dog, picker-up or stalker. Once attached, the tick seeks out a suitable spot and begins feeding on blood. While the thought alone is enough to make most people’s skin crawl, the real concern lies not with the bite itself but with what the tick may be carrying.

What is Lyme disease and what are the symptoms?

The risk most commonly associated with ticks in the UK is Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Although only a proportion of ticks carry the bacteria responsible, the consequences can be severe.

Symptoms vary but often include fatigue, headaches, fever and aching joints. Left untreated, Lyme disease can become a long-term health issue that is notoriously difficult to shake off. Many people are familiar with the classic “bull’s-eye” rash often associated with Lyme disease. This circular rash, which spreads outward from the bite site, is a useful warning sign and should never be ignored. However, not everyone develops the rash, which is why it is important to remain alert to other symptoms following a tick bite.

How can stalkers and shooters reduce the risk?

For those of us involved in shooting and stalking, avoiding tick habitat is hardly a realistic solution. Suggesting that stalkers avoid woodland or that gamekeepers steer clear of rough grassland would rather miss the point.

Instead, the best defence is awareness and routine. A thorough tick check after returning from the field should become second nature. This is particularly important for deerstalkers, who will know that ticks have an unfortunate tendency to transfer from a carcass on to clothing and equipment before finding a new host. Pay particular attention to warm, hidden areas of the body such as the armpits, groin, waistline and behind the knees.

It is also worth taking preventative measures when heading into high-risk areas. Long trousers, insect repellents and specialist tick-resistant clothing can all help reduce the chances of picking up an unwanted passenger.

How to remove a tick safely

If you discover an attached tick, remove it as soon as possible using a purpose-made tick remover or fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull steadily upwards. Avoid squeezing the body of the tick, as this may increase the risk of infection.

Ticks may be an unavoidable part of modern countryside life, but they need not be a major cause for concern. A few simple precautions, regular checks and an awareness of the signs of Lyme disease can go a long way towards keeping you safe. After all, there are plenty of challenges waiting for us in the field without bringing home a tick as a souvenir.

James Sutcliffe is BASC’s deer officer. Not only is he a keen stalker, he is also a key member of the organisation’s head measuring team. You can contact him at [email protected].