DOG owners are being warned to be watch for a menace from the south.
A growing incidence of tick-borne diseases has led to Warwickshire vets alerting dog owners about the potential risk to their pets, especially during the summer holidays.
Senior vet Stephen Bamber from Avonvale Veterinary Centres, which has a surgery in Southam, has warned tick-borne diseases – dangerous to dogs and humans – are on the increase, and are spreading northwards through the country.
Mr Bamber told The Observer: “The recent cases of Babesiosis in the South East have highlighted the possible dangers of tick bites, and with increasing travel abroad, and changes to the climate, it is likely we will see more of these problem.”
Tick-borne illnesses can also be a danger to humans. Lyme disease, which can affect pets, also causes illness in 3,000 Britons a year.
Mr Bamber added: “The popularity of taking our pets on holiday with us means that ticks carrying disease are likely to spread, and that means an increased likelihood of these diseases showing up locally.”
Treatment such as sprays, collars and chewable tablets are available to protect pets.
