You may recall ‘The Big Tick Project’ we participated in last Summer. Practices nationwide were involved in examining dogs, collecting their ticks and sending these to Bristol university for analysis. The project was a huge success; over 6,000 ticks were collected, some of which may have been capable of passing on tick borne diseases.

Due to it’s success, we are joining together again to collect the same type of data for CATS!

Why is this research so important? Tick distribution in the UK is estimated to have increased by 17% and warmer and wetter Winter’s  have the potential to increase the period of tick activity. Therefore, your pet may be more likely to come across a tick increasing their risk of tick-borne disease.

The data collected will help us to understand the level of risk across the UK and ultimately allow us to make more specific recommendations for your local area. To find out more visit www.bigtickproject.co.uk

To protect your pet and reduce the risk of Tick exposure there are a number of different products available and we would advise regular use of these.

Here at Hollybank Veterinary Centre, we are happy to check a tick for free!

Please contact the surgery on 01606 880890 if you would like a free tick check or advice regarding preventative care. Cats that have taken part in the project will receive a Big Tick Project certificate.