Rural Community Gateway

Ticks are on the increase. In 2005-06, there was a 90% increase in incidences of Lyme disease compared to the year before. In this special report, BADA-UK tell us more about ticks and tick-borne disease and what they are doing to help raise public awareness.

BADA-UK is a registered charity which is run by volunteers who are affected by various UK-acquired tick-borne diseases. Our organisation was founded in 2004 when we set out to raise the level of public awareness regarding the risks that ticks pose, and to teach correct tick-removal techniques, which can lessen the chances of infection.

We provide a comprehensive website, which includes information on tick ecology and the diseases that they can transmit. We also supply a selection of information leaflets and posters that are free to download. Through the spring and summer months, we exhibit at various venues across the UK. There, the public can discuss their concerns with, or get advice from, our volunteers.

Lyme disease, also known as Borreliosis, is the most commonly reported human tick-borne infection. It is recognised to be difficult to diagnose, and if not treated promptly, can go on to become a chronic and debilitating infection. We provide detailed information on how to recognise the possible signs and symptoms of infection so that appropriate medical assistance can be sought. 

Ticks on the increase

Ticks, which are described as endemic to Scotland, are also recognised to be on the increase. Anecdotal reports demonstrate that ticks can be found actively questing all year round. Authorities, such as the World Health Organisation and the European Union, have published reports forecasting a continuing increase in the incidence of ticks and tick-borne disease, with climate change reported to be a contributing factor.

Provisional figures released by the Scottish Centre of Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH) show a 90% increase in the incidence of Lyme disease in 2005-06, in comparison to the previous years figures. 

With such a marked increase in the number of people infected, it is clear that still far greater public awareness is required, especially in light of the recent reforms to the public’s rights to outdoor access. In an effort to more accurately determine the general level of public awareness, and thereby better focus future information campaigns, (such as Tick Prevention Week), we have provided an on-line questionnaire, and ask that people assist us by completing it.

Practical advice available

All manner of wildlife, birdlife, livestock and domestic pet are also susceptible to tick attachment, and tick-borne disease. Louping-ill, which is generally considered to be a disease of sheep and grouse, can also affect other animals such as cattle, horses, pigs, goats, deer, and dogs. It is an acute viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can be fatal. Permanent defects of the nervous system can remain in surviving animals. The cost of infection to livestock farmers and estate owners can be great.

Our discussion forum contains a comprehensive selection of scientific studies and news reports. They review various tick-control measures and large scale co-operative schemes which have demonstrated a successful reduction in local tick populations. This, in turn, reduces the associated risk of tick-borne infection and emphasises the value of concerted, co-operative and co-ordinated efforts involving all sections of the rural community.

BADA-UK has worked with various organisations such as The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, The British Horse Society, The National Sheep Association, The Heather Trust and The Scottish Gamekeepers Association, to promote the issue of ticks and tick-borne disease and offer practical advice on defence against infection. We believe that it is only through the co-operation and communication of different organisations and government departments that effective tick control and a reduction in the cases of tick-borne disease can be achieved.

Get in touch

We are always interested in working with other organisations and individuals who share our concerns and who wish to promote awareness. We also welcome any information about the successes and failures of tick-control methods that have been implemented.

To contact BADA-UK, email: email@bada-uk.org. Or alternatively, come and meet with some of our volunteers when we attend some of the game and country fairs across Scotland.

Current confirmed venues are:

• The Game Conservancy Scottish Fair, Scone Palace – Fri 29th June to Mon 2nd July
• The Highland Field Sports Fair, Moy – Fri 3rd to Sat 4th August
• The Galloway Country Fair - Sat 18th to Sun 19th August
• The Countryside Festival, Glamis Castle – Sat 1st to Sun 2nd September

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