19 June 2009

Worcestershire dogs are at risk of contracting devastating illnesses carried by ticks, it has emerged.

Maggie Fisher, from the European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP), regularly enjoys walks in Malvern with her pooch.

However, the expert explained that she is concerned about the numbers of ticks occurring in the area, the Malvern Gazette reports.

The critters can carry a number of bugs, such as Lyme disease, which can also affect people.

Dog lovers are warned to keep a lookout for the pests in their animals' fur and to remove any they find with special combs.

Ms Fisher told the paper: "It is important that owners regularly check themselves and their pets for ticks by thoroughly examining the pet’s coat, especially the areas around the head and the ears."

In addition, the ticks ought to be placed in plastic bags when they are discarded so they do not infect other animals.

Figures from Tick Alert reveal that Tick Borne Encephalitis and Lyme disease are prevalent in 27 European countries.