Do we have ticks in New Zealand?
Ticks are parasitic arachnids found around the world, feeding on the blood of warm-blooded animals like birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
New Zealand has several species of ticks, including sheep ticks and hedgehog ticks. While these ticks don’t pose a major health risk to humans, they can be a nuisance and can carry some diseases. Knowing the facts about ticks can help you protect yourself from them.
The most common type of tick in New Zealand is the sheep tick which is often found on sheep around the country. They are small, black, oval shaped parasites with eight legs and a tough shell. These ticks generally feed on the blood of animals such as sheep, goats, horses and deer, but they can also feed on humans. They release a type of anesthetic (which some people describe as feeling like an insect bite) when they bite, so it can be hard to notice.
Ticks can carry a range of diseases, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. These diseases can be spread if you are bitten or scratched by an infected tick. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and, in some cases, a rash or a flu-like illness. If you are concerned about a tick bite, you should visit your GP or local health service.
It is possible to reduce the risk of tick bites by taking some simple precautions when outdoors. These include wearing light colours, long sleeves and trousers, and using insect repellent (containing DEET). It’s also advisable to keep an eye out for ticks when brushing against grass or vegetation.
If you come across a tick that is attached to the skin, it is important to remove it safely. The most effective way to do this is to use tweezers and grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Then, very slowly and steadily, pull it away from the skin. If you can’t do this yourself, seek professional medical help.
It is important to remember that even though ticks are not considered a major health risk in New Zealand, they can still cause some unpleasant symptoms so it is worth taking precautions when out in the countryside.
The Different Species Of New Zealand Ticks
New Zealand is home to several species of ticks. The two most commonly found are the sheep tick and the hedgehog tick. As well as these species, the forrester tick, Pyemotes ventricosus, and the brown dog tick can also be found at times.
The sheep tick is found all over the country. The female is dark brown or black and can reach up to 5 mm in size. It is particularly active during the winter and spring months, when the females seek out blood meals. Its bite can be irritating and may lead to rash or itching, however, it is usually harmless.
The hedgehog tick is generally found living on or near the edges of wet areas. It is smaller than the sheep tick and can be recognized by its pointed, triangular shape. The hedgehog tick can transmit several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans, so it is important to use caution when working or walking in areas where the tick is present.
The forrester tick is another species found in New Zealand. It is brown in colour and can grow up to 6 mm in size. It is most active during the summer months and mainly preys on birds and other small mammals. It can cause irritation and itching, however, but the disease risk is low.
The Pyemotes ventricosus is a wingless mite, related to ticks, and is found in New Zealand mainly in sheep pastures. It feeds on the blood of small animals, such as rodents and birds. The Pyemotes does not usually interact with humans and its bite does not cause any irritation.
Finally, the brown dog tick can also be found in New Zealand. This tick can grow up to 12 mm in size and prefers to feed on large animals, such as dogs and cats. The tick can, however, feed on humans, so it is important to use caution when walking where these ticks are present.
Precautions To Take With Ticks In New Zealand
Although ticks are not a major health risk in New Zealand, there are still some precautions you can take to protect yourself. For example, wear light-coloured clothing when out in the countryside, as this makes it easier to spot any ticks on your clothing or skin. Cover yourself with long sleeves and trousers, and tuck the trousers into your socks. Wear a hat or other headgear to cover your head and ears and use insect repellent containing DEET.
It is also important to be aware of the risks of Lyme disease, which is present in parts of New Zealand. If you think you may have been bitten by a tick, seek medical advice. There are a number of tests available to check for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
The most effective way to remove a tick is to use tweezers and grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Then, very slowly and steadily, pull it away from the skin. If you can’t do this yourself, it is best to seek medical help.
Ticks can be a nuisance, but it is important to remember that the risk of getting a serious illness from a tick bite in New Zealand is low. Taking some simple precautions when out in the countryside can help to protect you and reduce the risk of a tick-borne disease.
Where Are Ticks Usually Found In New Zealand?
Ticks are found throughout New Zealand, but they are most commonly found in warmer, more humid areas. The highest tick populations tend to be in agricultural areas, such as dairy farms and sheep stations. Ticks can also be found in bush and forested areas, along rivers, creeks, and coastlines, and in urban parks and gardens.
Ticks can be carried by a variety of animals, such as sheep, goats, horses, deer, cattle, birds and other small mammalst. The sheep tick and hedgehog tick prefer to feed on sheep and goats, but they will also feed on humans if the opportunity arises.
When outdoors, it is a good idea to keep an eye out for ticks, as they can be lurking in the grass or under fallen leaves. Ticks tend to be active during the warmer months, so it is a good idea to take extra precautions at this time of year.
It is also important to remember that ticks can crawl onto clothing and footwear, so it is important to check yourself carefully after coming into contact with long grass, trees or other vegetation.
Common Diseases Spread By Ticks In New Zealand
Ticks can carry a range of diseases, such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis. These diseases can be spread to humans if you are bitten or scratched by an infected tick.
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in New Zealand. It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive skin rash. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, although in some cases the infection can become chronic.
Ehrlichiosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia chaffeensis. The symptoms of this can include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and fatigue. It is usually treated with antibiotics, although in some cases it can become chronic.
Babesiosis is a tropical disease caused by the parasite Babesia microti, which is transmitted by ticks. The symptoms of babesiosis can include fever, chills, sweats, muscle and joint pains, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications, including organ failure. Treatment with antibiotics is usually effective, although in some cases it can become recurrent.
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is transmitted by ticks. The symptoms of anaplasmosis can include fever, chills, sweats, headache, and muscle and joint aches. Treatment with antibiotics is usually effective, but in some cases it can become recurrent.
It is important to remember that, although these diseases can be serious, the risk of getting a tick-borne illness in New Zealand is low.
Conclusion
Ticks are a common nuisance in New Zealand, but the risk of getting a serious illness from a tick bite is low. Taking some simple precautions when outdoors, such as wearing appropriate clothing and using insect repellent, can help to reduce the risk of a tick-borne disease. If you think you may have been bitten by a tick, seek medical advice.
