Has the red sheep tick, Haemaphysalis punctata, recently expanded its range in England?

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Entomology
• Parasitology
• Ecology

Background:

• The red sheep tick, Haemaphysalis punctata, has been present in the UK for over a century.
• Recent years have seen an increase in reported detections of H. punctata.
• This increase may be due to enhanced surveillance or range expansion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the distribution of Haemaphysalis punctata in the UK.
• To analyze data from surveillance schemes and field studies.
• To assess potential range expansion and implications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published reports on H. punctata.
• Analysis of data from the Biological Records Centre and Public Health England (PHE) Tick Surveillance Scheme.
• Summary of field studies conducted by PHE and the Animal and Plant Health Agency over eight years.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests H. punctata may be expanding its range in the eastern South Downs National Park.
• Increased detections have been reported to the PHE Tick Surveillance Scheme.
• Reports of H. punctata biting humans have emerged from this area.

Conclusions:

• Haemaphysalis punctata appears to be expanding its geographical distribution in parts of England.
• The movement of sheep between grasslands may facilitate tick spread.
• Further research is needed on tick ecology and its role as a disease vector for humans and animals.