Charlotte Oskam

Some ticks cause paralysis in large animals such as kangaroos and dogs. While others are less harmful, they can provide a vector for microorganisms causing blood borne diseases. Some ticks from tropical regions are being found in sub-tropical regions as they increase their range on a warming planet. Others are aided by people travelling with pets. And some ticks bite people and transmit bugs which cause disease or bugs causing non-infectious disease. There can be local skin reactions similar to a mosquito bite, or anaphylaxis or allergy. Charlotte Oskam is looking at why some people develop illness when bitten by ticks.