Farmers warn of increase in ticks as sheep stocks decline

Scotland's farmers are warning of increased levels of harmful ticks as the decline in the sheep industry bites. Ticks are a common problem for both humans and animals walking in the outdoors and a decrease in the number of sheep is having a double-whammy effect as ungrazed grass provides a means of attack for the ticks. Ticks can survive in long grass waiting for a passing source of blood to attach too, and as sheep numbers drop the amount of long grass is increasing.


Ticks often bury their heads under the skin of their host, making removal difficult without having the right tool, and the consequences can be serious. Ticks are the prime transmitter of Lymes Disease which can have effects from flu-like symptoms to inflammation of the heart tissues and possible heart failure.


With EU single farm payments due for reform in 2013 there are fears that hill farming could suffer even more decline as it becomes uneconomical, as the NFUS warns that traditional sheep farms in upland areas and on crofts would not survive without the support of European subsidies.