Brown dog tick detected in Iceland

A brown dog tick has been identified on a dog in Selfoss, mbl.is reports, citing the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority.

The dog’s owner found the tick while brushing its coat and took it to Dýralæknaþjónusta Suðurlands, a veterinary service. The tick was sent to the University of Iceland’s Experimental Station in Pathology at Keldur, where it was identified. The species has been detected in Iceland only a few times.

The authority says the tick is not considered established in Iceland and has been eradicated after previous detections. It is working to prevent the species from gaining a foothold in the country.

Ticks of this species are known abroad to carry disease-causing agents and bacteria that can infect both dogs and people. The authority advises dog and cat owners to check their animals’ skin and coats regularly.