Information on imported ticks
Sometimes, non-native tick species can be imported into the UK, potentially bringing novel public or animal health disease risks.
Applies to England
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Topic: health impacts
Vector-borne disease: ticks
Part of: learning about ticks
Key resources for tick surveillance:
-
Information on native ticks
- Tick species profiles
More content:
Summary
Non-native tick species can potentially transmit pathogens that are not currently found in the UK, posing a risk to both humans and animals. They can be imported into the UK via several routes, including on animals (exotic reptile trade, migratory birds and importation of companion animals or livestock), humans and in goods.
Several factors are important for non-native species to be able to establish in the UK, including climate, habitat and host availability. Currently, none of these have successfully established and are therefore considered exotic species. Importation events are detected through our Tick Surveillance Scheme.