The trouble with ticks.

​Ticks are an increasing problem in New Zealand's coastal areas and inland north of Lake Taupo.

There is only one tick species in New Zealand that infests warm blooded animals, Haemaphysalis longicornis, which is more commonly known as the New Zealand cattle tick.  However, this tick feeds on many species of animals, including dogs and cats, as well as humans.  

Most tick activity is between late Spring and early Autumn, but they can be active during colder months year round.

The New Zealand cattle tick is not known to transmit any diseases to dogs and cats.

Ticks can:

• cause irritation
• lead to an abscess
• cause anaemia in large numbers on young animals

Ticks may be more common than you realise.