Tick risk identified in the New Forest

Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed the presence of the tick-borne encephalitis virus in Thetford Forest and on the Hampshire-Dorset border.

PHE says the risk is “very low”, but it is investigating how common the infected ticks might be.

Ticks are becoming more common in parts of the UK, mainly due to increasing deer numbers.

They can also live in other animals, such as dogs, and in undergrowth.

Ticks can also carry other diseases, including Lyme disease.

However, being bitten by a tick does not necessarily mean a person will fall ill.

The tick-borne encephalitis virus is already present in mainland Europe and parts of Asia.

It is thought infected ticks may have arrived in the UK through migratory birds.

Dr Nick Phin of PHE said: “These are early research findings and indicate the need for further work. However, the risk to the general public is currently assessed to be very low.”

Most people who catch the encephalitis virus will have no or only mild flu-like symptoms.

But it can affect the brain and central nervous system and can sometimes be fatal.

“We are reminding people to be ‘tick aware’ and take tick precautions, particularly when visiting or working in areas with long grass such as woodlands, moorlands and parks,” Dr Phin said.

Earlier this year Hampshire County Council issued advice to visitors to the New Forest to be ‘tick aware’.

They said people should wear appropriate clothings, such as a long-sleeved shirt and trousers tucked into socks and should use an insect repellent.

People were encouraged to wear light-coloured clothing so they can see ticks on their clothes and to inspect skins for ticks.

Anyone bitten by a tick was urged to grasp it with tweezers to pull it out. Once removed, antiseptic should be applied and the wound should be monitored.