ABOUT THE STUDY
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is tick-borne and can cause serious disease with the UK annual diagnoses trebling over the last two decades (Marcu et 01., 2013; Dillon et 01.,2010). Those working in farmland/forestry or having contact with animals (including deer) in high hazard areas are at greatest risk (HSE, 2010).
Deer have key roles in most, but not all, UK LB disease systems (Medlock et 01.,2013; Gilbert et 01.,2012; Ogden et 01., 1997). However they are non-competent hosts for the pathogen itself, and small mammals or birds are usually required as disease reservoirs (Franke et al.,2013). Greater knowledge of these disease systems and their habitat determinants would be valuable, not least as interventions based on simplistic models that blame LB primarily on deer may undermine broader attempts to enhance public and ecosystem health, or even increase local LB hazard (Dobson, 2014; Li et 01.,2014; Ostfeld, 2011).
The aim of this research is to build an evidence based picture of the ecological determinants of Lyme borreliosis risk in the South Downs National Park (SDNP) and to suggest potential one-health based interventions.
The study will map LB vector and pathogen distribution across the SDNP. If Borrelia miyamotoi is detected it will examine the potential dilution effect of deer on this emerging disease hazard. It will determine host community composition for LB pathogens and their vectors. It will review one-health interventions to decrease LB risk and suggest actions within the SDNP and where reasonable more generally.
The study will provide a mapped assessment of LB risk and causal factors and support development of policies that avoid or minimise conflicts between public and ecosystem health (Medlock and Jameson,2010). Given LBs widespread distribution, knowledge of its ecological determinants in the SDNP will be of value beyond the Park.
FURTHER READING
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After 15 years of dedicated work by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary (HIOWC), together with essential support from Dorothy Ireland, Tony Lowry, and numerous volunteers from The British Deer Society (BDS) plus expert deer managers in Hampshire and surrounding counties, we are delighted to see the HIOWC Humane Animal Dispatch (HAD) volunteer scheme poised for a national rollout.
Support BDS and Help Protect Deer and Their Habitats
Discover how the British Deer Society is working to protect deer, their habitats, and promote sustainable wildlife management. Learn about our mission, vision, and how you can support deer welfare through education, research, and donations. Join us in making a difference for deer and the environment.
The Role of Deer Management in Conservation in the UK
Deer management plays a crucial role in supporting conservation efforts across the UK, helping to restore habitats, preserve biodiversity, and address the challenges posed by rising deer populations. This article explores the importance of balancing deer numbers with ecosystem health, highlighting the impact of culling, stakeholder collaboration, and holistic management strategies.
