Headache, lethargy… why was I feeling so awful?
At around 2am I was wondering why I felt a persistent itching on my leg. Mosquito bite? I checked and saw the tell tale flap on top of the inflammation. A tick!
Australian paralysis ticks are amazing in their own unappealing way. This little wonder was less than 2mm long and yet, it had given me a pounding headache and lethargy. Once removed, the symptoms vanished within a half hour. How does such a small creature create such a significant impact?
Like mosquitoes, it is the females that suck blood from mammalian hosts. As they suck they inject a neurotoxin. While most Australian natives are immune, household pets, farm animals and even humans can experience paralysis and sometimes death as a result. While humans rarely suffer the extreme symptoms, Australian pet owners on the East coast need to use preventative measures to ensure the safety of their beloved companions.
Once a dog is bitten by a tick, it faces a mortality rate of between 5 and 10% regardless of whether they receive treatment. It’s hard to find exact statistics but it is estimated that more than 500 dogs die from tick paralysis each year with thousands experiencing symptoms and many of those needing veterinary treatment.
It’s amazing that such a small creature can cause such a dramatic effect!
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