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HomeFarming News‘Lyme Disease is currently the fastest-growing vector-borne disease in the world’
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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‘Lyme Disease is currently the fastest-growing vector-borne disease in the world’

Independent TD for Galway East, Sean Canney, has called for government backing for the campaign by TICK TALK IRELAND to create awareness and accurate information about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease based on international best practices.

Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans by the bite of a hard-bodied tick.

In Europe, it is also known as the ‘castor bean tick’ or ‘sheep tick’, and in Ireland, it is also referred to as a ‘sceartàin’.

In a statement to https://www.thatsfarming.com/, Canney outlined:

“Lyme Disease is currently the fastest-growing vector-borne disease in the world.”

“Not all ticks are infected; however, people need to be vigilant where ticks are present to reduce the risk of transmission to humans and pets.”

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“I welcome the decision by Galway, Laois, and Kilkenny County Councils to pass motions to erect signage at all public parks.”

“I am requesting the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Office of Public Works to do the same thing,” the TD added.

He is also requesting that the Irish Medical Organisation makes information available in every doctor’s surgery and waiting room so that the public is “fully aware” of the implications of Lyme Disease and how to avoid it.

A national conference on Lyme Disease will take place next Saturday at the Midlands Hotel Portlaoise, with infectious disease experts presenting from Europe and the USA. Dr, Jack Lambart from the infectious disease department in the Mater Hospital will also make a presentation.

Eddie Thornton

Last year, Majella Thornton, told That’s Farming editor, Catherina Cunnane, about her husband’s battle with Lyme disease.

“Eddie Thornton, Knockmore, Ballina, Co Mayo was always a very busy, hard-working man. We have a joke we were guaranteed to have dinner together on Christmas Day.”

“It started when Eddie was on sub-hire to an Irish contractor in Scotland, building bridges and roads in the Highlands.”

“It was a wooded area, and he was, therefore, made aware of the dangers of Lyme disease and to watch out for ticks.”

“He always kept a close eye out, and one night while showering, he saw a tick in his right arm, so he removed it carefully.”

“No typical associated symptoms such as a bullseye rash or flu-like symptoms presented themselves.”

Read more on this article.

Previous article on www.thatsfarming.com (That’s Farming): Everything you need to know about Lyme Disease

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