The management of Lyme disease

Lyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis, is an infectious disease caused by the spirochaete bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi.

Lyme disease is a zoonosis. Small mammals and birds carry the bacteria and transmit it to feeding larvae and nymphs of the Ixodes tick. Adult ticks feed and reproduce on a variety of larger mammals. Humans may become infected if bitten but are regarded as ‘end hosts’.

Ticks are not insects; they are arachnids and resemble small spiders. They survive in the type of humid conditions found in woodland, moorland and some urban parks and gardens, and may be brought indoors on pets or clothing.