Corsham Running Club Website

When running in the countryside, especially  during summer months, particularly through fields where livestock or wild animals have been present , it's a good idea to be aware that you may fall foul of a tiny hitch-hiker or two. These are sheep and/or deer ticks whose sole purpose in life is to suck the blood of their victims.  The photos above show the creature before (left) and after (right) attaching themselves to their unfortunate victims. Whilst the total amount of blood removed will not cause a problem for the average healthy runner, other dangers are possible, but happily not too common.

The sheep tick is associated with the condition known as "Lyme Disease". This disease can cause meningitis, arthritis, heart and neurological disorders. The sheep tick is to be found in areas of grassland, forestry, heathland and heather moors. It is a tiny transparent insect, no larger than a pinhead. But as it fills itself with its victim's blood, it swells into the approximate size and shape of a coffee bean (see illustration at top right). The symptoms of Lyme Disease become apparent any time between 3 to 30 days after the bite. They are characterised by a circular red rash radiating out from the site of the bite, and, associated with this, the development of a flu-like illness. Prompt removal of ticks should prevent Lyme Disease bacteria being transmitted. To remove a tick, rotate its body anti-clockwise or simply  give it a steady pull, making sure that the head parts come away and do not remain attached. Other methods of removal are drowning (using nail polish remover, surgical spirit  or even whisky!), and heating (using a cigarette end). Both methods should cause the tick to loosen its grip and drop out. If Lyme Disease is detected early enough, treatment by antibiotics often lead to a complete recovery. However, not everyone who is bitten will develop the disease, as only those insects carrying the bacteria "Borrelia Burgdorferi" do the damage, (about 1 in 1000). At the end of the day you can never be fully tick-proof. Runners, Climbers and Hill-walkers should therefore examine their bodies on a daily basis and remove any offending insects!