While not technically a forest pest, ticks are more than just a nuisance and can cause serious illness. Lyme disease or Lyme Borelliosis was originally thought to be something you would catch overseas. In recent years Lyme disease awareness has grown and cases of the disease have become more prevalent with cases now being diagnosed in Ireland as well as abroad.
Lyme disease initially presents as a flu-like illness sometimes with a classic 'target' type rash - a large patch on the skin with a red border and pale centre. People may experience dizziness, joint pain and fatigue but this is not always the case. If diagnosed early and treated with antibiotics, Lyme generally causes no problems. However, if it is missed or misdiagnosed, it can develop into secondary or tertiary Lyme disease - a condition that can cause chronic fatigue and other problems. It is important that people are aware of the risk of Lyme disease and take precautions to prevent tick bites or deal with them properly.
There are a number of sources for information on Lyme Disease:
- What is Lyme disease: Tick Talk Ireland - www.ticktalkireland.org
- Tick Talk Information Leaflet
- Pocket size Tick Removal Information: Tick Talk Ireland - www.ticktalkireland.org
- Lyme disease - HSE
- Lyme disease (Teagasc Information)
- Protect Yourself against Tick Bites and Lyme disease - Fact Sheet (Teagasc)
- The Dracula Bug - by Dr. Ciara Kelly (Irish Independent 20/7/14)
- Avoiding ticks and other bugs this summer - by Celine Naughton (Irish Independent 9/7/14)
- Fears over possible widespread misdiagnosis of Lyme disease - www.thejournal.ie
- New illness spread by ticks found similar to Lyme disease - by By David Millward and Patrick Sawer (The Telegraph 24/10/15)
General Biosecurity Guidance:
- Biosecurity - Good working practice for those involved in forestry - Forestry Commission Leaflet
- A DAFM Leaflet entitled 'Forest Health Biosecurity Kit' is available from the Forest Health section of the Forest Service Website.