Rising number of ‘brown tick’ imports to the UK
The majority of records involved rehomed dogs that had travelled to the UK from Cyprus and Spain. (stock photo)
A rising number of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks are being detected in recently travelled or imported dogs in the UK, according to new research.
Experts from Public Health England (PHE) and APHA warned further importations of the tick may occur as a result of increased travel and importation of dogs. Raising awareness will be an important part of mitigating the risk, they explained in a paper published in the Veterinary Record.
PHE, APHA and the Big Tick Project detected 40 importations of R. sanguineus ticks on recently travelled or imported dogs during the period 2012-2016.
R. sanguineus is a vector for human and animal pathogens, can survive in the home and is difficult to control once an infestation is established. Dogs are at risk of ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis) and babesiosis (Babesia vogeli). People can develop Mediterranean spotted fever (Rickettsia conorii).
Of these, 25 were detected by the Tick Surveillance Scheme (TSS), represented by 163 R. sanguineus ticks, many of which were still alive. In seven of the events, male and female ticks were found on the same canine host, meaning a localised population could be established indoors. At least three of the dogs were linked with substantial household infestations that were difficult to control.
The majority of records involved rehomed dogs that had travelled to the UK from Cyprus and Spain. The number of tick importations peaked in April, May and September.
Researchers said house infestations have so far only been associated with imported, not travelling pets. Members of the public who are rehoming dogs from R. sanguineus countries could, therefore, be considered to be a high risk group.
In four of the cases, dogs had been treated for ticks prior to entering the UK, suggesting that not all treatments are 100 per cent effective against R. sanguineus, or are not being applied correctly.
Writing in Vet Record, researchers said timely detection and response is key to preventing house infestations and disease transmission. This is particularly important as acaricide treatment before entry into the UK is no longer a legal requirement under the Pet Travel Scheme.
Authors stressed that pet owners should be made aware of the need for treatment with acaricides that are effective against R. sanguineus, as well as how to apply products correctly. Treatments should be applied during travel and before re-entry into the UK.
Vigilance is needed in checking dogs and homes for the presence of ticks, particularly in cases of rehomed dogs. Tick species can be submitted to the TSS for identification.
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
