As a Llandudno resident has spoken out of her experience living with Lyme disease, Aberconwy AM, Janet Finch-Saunders, reveals that the number of cases of the illness reported in Wales have increased in the last couple of years, accordingly to statistics provided by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services in response to the Members Written Assembly Question.

Janet said:

“Since 2013, the number of cases of Lyme disease has increase to around 40 per year. Between 2015 and 2016, the figures actually doubled – shooting up from 23 to 46 over the course of a year.

“The majority of cases are still acquired within the UK, however the number contracted abroad went up considerably last year – leading to some concern about awareness of travellers going abroad.

“I have asked the Welsh Government to work with the farming industry to reduce tick numbers amongst sheep and other livestock. However, ensuring a reduction in the number of people contracting this illness can be harder.

“Greater public awareness of the risks that can present in the countryside – particularly amongst wild grass and meadows – can go a long way to reducing cases. Additionally, more information about how to check for ticks, what to look for, and how to remove them, is essential.”

ENDS

Notes

Written question WAQ76565

Tabled by Janet Finch-Saunders

Will the Cabinet Secretary provide the number of reported cases of Lyme disease in Wales for 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18?

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services

Both laboratory confirmed and clinically reported cases of Lyme disease in Wales are recorded by calendar year to correspond with the annual tick life cycle and human exposures.

2013: 18 cases (of which 15 acquired in the UK and 3 overseas)

2014: 19 cases (of which 15 acquired in the UK and 4 overseas)

2015: 23 cases (of which 20 acquired in the UK and 3 overseas)

2016: 46 cases (of which 42 acquired in the UK and 4 overseas)

2017: 39 cases (of which 29 acquired in the UK and 10 overseas)

Written question WAQ76566

Tabled by Janet Finch-Saunders

How is the Cabinet Secretary working with the farming industry across Wales to reduce the numbers of ticks in sheep and other livestock?

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs

Tick control remains the responsibility of the animal keeper and they are encouraged to work closely with their private veterinarians to consider methods of control.