A BROMSGROVE veterinary practice is joining a national campaign to try and monitor the rise of Lyme Disease.

The disease is spread through blood sucking ticks, and can be serious and debilitating in the long term, affecting dogs and people.

The Big Tick Project, which is being organised by the University of Bristol with television wildlife presenter Chris Packham, is trying to track the rise of the tick population across the UK, finding out how many of them are carrying the disease.

Dog owners will be able to take their pet to participating practice Vets 4 Pets in Brook Retail Park on Sherwood Road, where they can be given a tick check, and any ticks that are discovered will be sent off to the University of Bristol for further analysis.

Chris Packham said: “Research highlighted by the Big Tick Project experts at Bristol University suggests that ticks are a growing problem, especially in areas such as urban parkland, woodland or open country. While I find both ticks and fleas interesting creatures, I don’t want them on my dogs, in my house, or on me.

“I want the best advice and treatment available and I know I can get this by talking to my vet.”

Dog owners wanting to take part in the Big Tick Project with a tick check for their dog, or to find out more about the risks from tick bites can visit bigtickproject.co.uk or contact Vets 4 Pets directly.