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An outbreak of Babesiosis in Harlow Essex has dog owners throughout the country concerned for well being of their dogs and has sparked fears that the deadly disease could spread throughout the country. Babesiosis is spread by the American dog tick.

Ticks suck the blood of reptiles, birds and are particularly attracted by the warmth and smell of mammals. They are unpleasant and the infections they carry can cause serious disease in both humans and animals. It was compulsory for all dogs coming into the UK and Ireland to be treated against ticks but this requirement was dropped in 2012.

As a result the American dog tick 'Dermacentor Reticulatus' has now been found in Essex and has infected dogs with Babesia canis which has caused serious illness and death.

What can be done to protect dogs?

Dogs should be checked thoroughly for ticks and any found should be removed AT ONCE with a 'tick hook'. The sooner the tick is removed the less the risk of infection.

Do flea drops kill ticks?

Not all do - the insecticide imidacloprid does not kill ticks.