Hard Ticks - UK
Ixodes ricinus
- 3 host tick
- Life cycle takes an average of 3 years to complete (range of 2-7 years)
- Only feed for a few days each year at each life cycle stage
- Most of their time is spent on the ground
- Adult female lays several thousand eggs on the ground in matted vegetation
- E.g. Rough pasture, hedgerows etc.
Ixodes canisuga
- Host specific dog tick
- Problem in kennels
Ixodes hexagonus
- Known as the hedgehog tick
- Affects hedgehogs, dogs, cats, ferrets and weasels
- Common in small animal practice
Haemaphysalis spp.
- Affects cattle
- Transmits Babesia major, a relatively non-pathogenic protozoan parasite
- Uncommon
Dermacentor spp.
- Affects sheep
- Rare