Merial study highlights ever-present risk posed by ticks

Merial has highlighted the findings of a new study underlining the importance of treating dogs all year round against the threat of ticks.

Carried out by the University of Salford and sponsored by Merial, the research indicated has tick continued to seek hosts in woodlands throughout the year, even during the coldest months. This is despite assumptions that ticks are largely inactive or dormant in winter.

Ticks were also shown to be detectable on dogs throughout the year, an observation that tallies with the results of a recent analysis of practice electronic health records that revealed the presence of ticks on pets in all weeks between December and March.

The fact that ticks are attaching and feeding during the winter months shows that the risk of Lyme disease and babesiosis remains an ever-present possibility, emphasising the need for appropriate treatment.

Lynda Maris, product manager for NexGard Spectra at Merial, said: "If the appropriate product is selected, the same year-round treatment programme that controls fleas and other parasites will also treat ticks and thus help reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases."

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