Medical microbiologist Prof Sally Cutler studies tick-borne diseases in Richmond Park, London, focusing on castor bean tick nymphs.

The BBC explores tick-infested areas in Richmond Park, London, with medical microbiologist Prof Sally Cutler, to study the tiny bloodsuckers as tick-borne diseases rise. The castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) is the main species found. These nymphs, the second stage in the tick's life cycle, can spread diseases and are difficult to spot due to their small size. Prof Cutler uses a blanket with a wooden pole sewn in to locate the ticks, as they perch on vegetation waiting for a host.

June 08, 2024
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