Tick Recording Scheme

Why are we collecting ticks?

In collaboration with the Biological Records Centre ( www.brc.ac.uk), the Health Protection Agency aims to collate and enhance existing data on the distribution of all British ticks (available on the National Biodiversity Network gateway ( www.searchnbn.net), in order to fill the gaps in our current understanding of tick distributions and to encourage the sharing of up-to-date distribution data. This will improve our understanding of the public health risk posed by ticks and tickborne infections. At the current time, the tick recording scheme does not test ticks for any pathogens they may carry. Information about Lyme disease and tick awareness is available on the Health Protection Agency's Lyme borreliosis webpage

Individuals and groups are invited to assist in the development of the NBN (National Biodiversity Network) database ( www.searchnbn.net) on tick distributions by sending in any ticks collected, along with details of:

date of collection
specific location (grid reference)
general location (nearest town/village)
local habitat (e.g. woodland, pasture)
host from which tick was collected (e.g. human, dog)
contact details of the individual sending in the sample

Download the form for recording these details (PDF, 50 KB)

If more than one tick is collected from different hosts or different locations they should be placed in separate labelled containers.
If more than one tick is collected from the same host or habitat on the same day, they may be sent in one container.

All specimens sent in will be identified, and thus provide regular updates for the NBN gateway. This will enhance our knowledge of tick distributions in the British Isles, and improve our understanding of the public health risk posed by ticks and tick-borne infections.

How to send ticks

Please send any ticks collected in a crush-proof, plastic container (e.g. an old camera film case, or alternatively, plastic vials can be supplied on request to the address or email below) along with the details outlined above to:

Tick Recording Scheme
Microbial Risk Assessment
Health Protection Agency
Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response
Salisbury SP4 0JG
United Kingdom

Email: MRA@hpa.org.uk

Posting ticks

The Royal Mail requests that live insects are carefully packaged for posting, so that there is no danger of the ticks escaping or posing any risk to mail handling staff if the package becomes damaged during transit. Please use the screw-top plastic containers provided or ensure that other crush-proof containers are securely fastened (e.g. with tape). Please post the container in a padded envelope with a visible return address and mark the package as 'urgent - live creatures'.

If you are not able to post the ticks immediately or soon after collection, please place them in a fridge or cool, dark place until ready to post. This will prevent any deterioration of the specimens.

Instructions on how to remove ticks safely

Information on tick removal can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/ld_tickremoval.htm

Using a pair of forceps or tweezers, or tick removal hooks, grip the head of the attached tick as close to the point of attachment on the skin as possible
Gently apply pressure and pull steadily upwards, without twisting and taking care not to crush the tick
Clean the skin with soap and water, or skin disinfectant
Wash hands after tick removal
Do not be alarmed if the tick mouthparts remain in the skin as this will not increase the risk of acquiring lyme borreliosis. Using a skin disinfectant on the area will reduce the risk of developing ordinary skin infections
Do not burn the tick off, nor use Vaseline, alcohol, nail varnish remover or other substances to remove the tick
Place the tick/s in a plastic container and seal
Label the container so that the accompanying details recorded can be identified
Place sealed container in an envelope and post to the address above

Should you develop any symptoms of illness (rash, fever, flu-like symptoms) following tick removal, please seek advice from your GP.

More information on ticks from the NBN gateway website (external site)