Ticks can carry harmful infections that can be transmitted to humans. It is estimated that each year around 3,000 people in the UK contract Lyme disease (Borreliosis) from a tick bite.*

If you take part in outdoor activities or simply enjoy being in the countryside, or parks and gardens where wildlife is present, you may be at risk from tick bites. In fact, research from the School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol published in January 2012, suggests that the prevalence of Lyme disease bacteria in the UK tick population is considerably higher than most recent estimates indicated.

The Tick Bite Prevention Week (TBPW) website aims to provide information that you, your family, public organisations and groups can use to reduce the risk of being bitten for you and your pets.

Tick Bite Prevention Week promotes awareness about the potential health risks from tick bites and the simple, sensible, preventative measures which can be taken against them. TBPW also provides advice on what to do if ticks do attach.

The campaign week is held in early spring when the weather gets warmer, people begin to spend more time outdoors and ticks start to become more active.

Don't panic but be 'Tick Aware'!

We hope that you find this website and the downloadable materials useful. We would love to hear your suggestions about how we can make it even better.

We would also like to learn about your personal tick experiences and we need case histories (about people and animals) to help promote awareness through the media. If you would like to share your story or you have any suggestions, please email us at badauk@imagenuk.com

*Health Protection Agency 2011