Parasite Load Survey

Once a month a ‘tick load’ survey is completed at six different locations across the reserve. This is done by doing a 200 metre drag through the grass on a set transect and then analysing the drag sheet to determine the number of adult and nymph tick species found. These figures can then be compared, month on month, to see changes throughout the year in order to pick up any trends. For example, when we completed a tick drag last month the weather had been very hot and dry and tick loads where very few. Whereas, this month we completed the drags again, in the same locations, and found a substantial increase in tick numbers found. This could be due to having more rain over the last month than in previous months.

The results from these parasite load surveys are essential in the management of the wildlife on the reserve. Although ticks are often found in smaller numbers on most healthy game, outbreaks of larger numbers can lead to potentially fatal health problems. By monitoring tick numbers, any issues with increased numbers can be picked up quickly and relevant prevention methods can be implemented (such as parasite dips etc) before any animals become unhealthy.