Ticks
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Introduction
Ticks are ectoparasites which live by hamatophagy on the blood of mammals, birds and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. Ticks are of considerable veterinary importance, particularly in warmer climates where they can cause substantial economic losses through decreased productivity and disease. They are also also important in human medicine as they cause Lyme Disease and tick-bourne encephalitis/meningoencephalitis.
Ticks decrease productivity by causing fleece and hide damage, preventing animals from feeding (tick worry), ascending motor paralysis and anaemia. Infestation can also lead to secondary infection from blowfly and screw-worms leading to strike.
The soft ticks are only of importance in warmer climates, whereas the hard ticks cause significant problems in both warmer and temperate climates.