I am one of a group of people who were walkers, climbers, horse riders,
agricultural workers, animal keepers and all contracted Lyme disease
(which is a tick-borne disease) in the UK. We have members that were
infected in Scotland, Ireland and from North to South England. Studies
indicate tick-borne diseases are on the increase and ticks are more
abundant for longer periods due to the warmer climate and milder
winters. In fact, Lyme disease (correctly termed Borreliosis) is on the
increase in many countries, and even those who had never seen cases
before are now seeing them with a frequency.

With the combined knowledge of scientists from The Game Conservancy
Trust, Lyme specialist doctors and ourselves through living with the
disease we have created various information leaflets. These explain the
spread of, signs, symptoms and associated diseases of Lyme disease. We
also recommend methods of bite prevention and what to do if you find an
attached tick or suspect that you have been infected. Our literature
also covers Lyme disease in animals such as dogs and horses and we
include tick removal instructions that could help prevent infection for
human and animal.

We have recently created a leaflet for the horse-riding establishment,
that the British Horse Society is now distributing to all their approved
riding centres. Our Canine literature has been issued to many 'at risk'
groups such as dog handling officers by the Police Mountain Rescue.
Certain sections of the armed forces are also issuing our literature to
troops and dog handlers.

We are not selling anything but what we hope is that once we send out
the leaflet and accompanying letter, the recipient could perhaps
photocopy the leaflet and distribute it to staff, clients, members or
colleagues so that they can be aware of the risks and how to practice
simple bite prevention methods.
Unfortunately due to the voluntary nature of our efforts we are unable
to provide large quantities of printed leaflets. We do however have
electronic PDF files of all our leaflets, which you can access freely at
http://www.bada-uk.org
should this be of use. Alternatively, we would be more
than happy for the information to be incorporated into any newsletter
you may produce.

Should you wish to view either the electronic version, or a paper print
of our Dog Owner's Leaflet, please indicate by return email (including
postal address if you wish to receive a hard copy). I hope very much
that you can help in our efforts as this is a devastating disease and
prevention is far better than cure.