Gamekeepers in Scotland shared frightening photos of a dead deer that was being gorged on by massive bloodsucking ticks.
Speyside Moorland Group believe that tick numbers are on the rise and shared the image to show the stark reality of how the insects are affecting Scotland's wildlife.
The dead animal can be seen covered in dozens of blood-coloured ticks - however it is uncertain what caused the animal's death in the first place.
Gamekeepers have been treating hill sheep with pesticide treatment acaricide, managing deer population and burning moorland in a bid to combat the tick problem.
But in April, land managers were banned from burning moorland, which is believed to help control tick numbers, in order to relieve any potential pressure on the fire service during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The legislation means the ban will be in place until at least 30 September 2020, although MSP's will be able to extend this further if they deem it necessary.
Sharing images of the deceased deer, Speyside Moorland Group, wrote: "The horrible reality of what our wildlife is suffering in the uplands of Scotland with tick numbers on the rise.
"This young buck was found dead, covered in ticks on the moor. These images show the volume of ticks on both sides of its body.
"Not only does the tick cause disease and general health problems but makes animals and birds less able to get away from predators because they are in poor condition.
"Ticks also carry Lyme Disease; a growing problem for all who access the countryside including walkers, climbers and outdoor pursuits enthusiasts.
"By using hill sheep, treated with acaricide, in tick mop programmes and managing deer populations moorland gamekeepers are leading the fight to control the tick problem in our countryside, benefiting wildlife, dogs and humans. Worth remembering."
The post attracted hundreds of comments from social media users who hit out at conservationists who have criticized keepers for using pesticides on the animals.
Karan Smith wrote: "Absolutely shocking, get the sheep back on the moors and get them dipped and as for putting burning on hold because of Covid, it's ridiculous.
"Lyme's disease is not something I would want from a tick bite. Once you have it and if not caught early enough the effects of it are for life.
"Wildlife and people should be protected."
And Colin Rankin wrote: "North Uist is covered with them and most people have had lyme disease, sheep are not dipped with the same chemicals we used to use and moor burning is not carried out as regularly these days."
Ticks can be found across the whole of the UK and carry diseases such as Lyme disease, which are often transferred onto animals and humans.
They can be found in areas with moist air and are especially attracted to areas of shady shrubberies, deep vegetation and locations with a strong local wildlife population.
Lyme disease symptoms can cause unexplained flu-like symptoms, soreness and achiness, light and noise sensitivity, cognitive problems, fatigue, a stiff neck, facial palsy, numbness and tingling.
If left untreated, the infection can spread anywhere in the body and cause issues with our neurological systems, as well as heart and skin problems.
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Horrifying photos show dead deer being gorged on enormous bloodsucking parasites - Daily Star
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