WORCESTER vets are joining in the fight against ticks.

Tick bites can transmit serious infections, such as Lyme disease, a serious and debilitating illness that can cause long term health problems in dogs and people.

A number of Worcester's veterinary practices are taking action by joining TV presenter Chris Packham — known for his work on Springwatch and the Really Wild Show — and the University of Bristol in the Big Tick Project, which researches ticks and how they carry disease.

Dog owners can take their pets to participating practices in Worcester for a tick check and advice about effective tick control. Any ticks found on dogs will be collected and sent to Bristol University laboratories to help advance the knowledge of tick-borne disease, benefitting both veterinary and human medicine.

To find out more and to see which vets are taking part in the initiative visit www.bigtickproject.co.uk.