Lyme disease has been recorded in Bushy Park and a plotholder has been reported as being bitten by ticks so they are present on the allotments too. It’s thought only a small proportion of ticks carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, so being bitten doesn’t mean you’ll definitely be infected. However, it’s important to be aware of the risk and seek medical advice if you develop a circular rash or you start to feel unwell.
Ticks can’t jump or fly so they have to wait until an animal (or human) brushes past to attach to their skin, so it is recommended you wear closed shoes not sandals and long sleeved tops.
If you are bitten and find a tick on your or your child’s skin, remove it by gently gripping it as close to the skin as possible, preferably using fine-toothed tweezers. Pull steadily away from the skin without twisting or crushing the tick.
For more information see:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Lyme-disease
The Royal Parks has also issued an informative leaflet:
Bushy Park Allotment Association
