Difference between revisions of "Hard Ticks - UK"

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[[Image:Ixodes ricinus.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Ixodes ricinus'' - Richard Bartz, Wikimedia Commons]]
 
===Ixodes ricinus===
 
===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.  
 
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.  

Revision as of 10:25, 7 July 2010

Ixodes ricinus - Richard Bartz, Wikimedia Commons

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