Tick season starts in the Mediterranean area in March, and lasts until November.
In the main, two tick species are found in this region: Ixodes Ricinus (black tick) and Rhipicephalus Sanguineus (brown tick), the latter being the one responsible for tick disease.
The mild, long-lasting summer in our region provides an idea breeding ground for large numbers of ticks - especially when the summertime has a certain humidity which can result in a plague of ticks.
They hide in well watered gardens and in the bushes and shrubbery of the fields, especially in areas frequented by passing sheep and goats. This is where dogs collect ticks. The female tick of the Rhipicephalus can be a "carrier" of tick disease, she can carry bacteria of the species "Rickettsia", known as Erlichia canis in her saliva. Whilst sucking blood from the dog, the tick can infect the dog with Erlichia. After a variable incubation period, Erlichia reach certain white blood cells (moncytes) which flow in the blood stream and can infect the whole body.
Symptoms of Tick Disease
1. High fever and complete weakness after tick infestation.
2. Eye and nose discharge.
3. Loss of appetite, loss of weight.
4. Serious anaemia, sudden haemorrhages (bleeding from the nose, the mouth, the intestine, subcutaneous bleeding).
Diagnosis of Tick Disease
A general check in conjunction with a blood test is the best way to determine Erlichia.
Treatment of Tick Disease
In the early stages, the application of a special antibiotic for 10-14 days. In some dogs who have a weak defence system, symptoms can appear so violently that the animal needs intensive care with blood transfusions. If the disease is not detected in time, the dog can die.
Can Humans get Tick Disease?
Ticks can infect humans with several diseases, but the special tick fever in dogs caused by Erlichia canis, is not normally dangerous to humans. There exist medical reports of infection in humans caused by ticks, but this is a rarity. However care should be taken, because ticks can infect humans with "Mediterranean Fever", "Tick Paralysis" (caused by tick poison) and Borrelliosis (special bacteria, very dangerous)!
Prevention of Tick Disease
After every walk, examine your dog for ticks. If you find ticks, remove them immediately, the longer the tick sucks blood, the more likely is a following infection with tick disease. Ask your vet how to remove a tick correctly.
In regions where there is a big tick problem, the dog should be protected with special repellent, anti-tick collars or liquids, ask your veterinarian for advice.
If you find a tick fixed in your own skin, remove it immediately with alcohol (of the pharmaceutical variety, NOT gin!) and a clockwise turning movement. NEVER PULL. Then consult your doctor.
