Hard Ticks - UK
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Ixodes ricinus
This is a common hard tick found in the UK. As with most hard ticks Ixodes ricinus is a 3 host tick as well as a 3 stage life cycle. The ticks spend the mojority of their life on the ground, only requiring a blood meal prior to moulting to the next stage.
- 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