Coastal Red Tick / Red Sheep Tick

Overview

Haemaphysalis punctata is a relatively uncommon tick in the UK, found mainly in coastal and lowland grazing areas. It primarily feeds on livestock (cattle, sheep, horses) and wildlife, but can occasionally bite humans. It is the least significant of the four tick species tracked on this site in terms of human disease risk.

Identification

• Adults: ~2.5–3.5 mm when unfed. Smaller and more compact than Ixodes ricinus. Reddish-brown with a short, broad mouthpart structure.
• The genus Haemaphysalis has distinctive lateral extensions (called palpal projections) visible under a hand lens.
• Accurate identification usually requires microscopy or expert confirmation — you can consider sending the tick to UKHSA.

Distribution in the UK

Localised and patchy. Most records come from south-east England (Kent, Essex, Suffolk) and parts of coastal Wales. It is associated with salt marshes, coastal grassland, and rough pasture grazed by livestock or deer.

This species has a limited range compared to I. ricinus, but monitoring continues as climate change could influence its spread.

Diseases & Public Health

• Rickettsial infections — Rickettsia species have been detected in H. punctata in the UK. The clinical significance is uncertain, but tick-borne rickettsiae can cause febrile illness.
• Elsewhere, this species has been linked to Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV).This disease has not been recorded in the UK.

Prevention & Advice

• Standard tick bite prevention applies when walking in coastal grassland or pasture.
• Livestock keepers: check animals regularly and discuss tick management with your vet.
• If you find an unusual tick, consider reporting or sending it for identification. Records of uncommon species help researchers track distribution changes!

References & Further Reading

• GOV.UK — Tick Surveillance Scheme
• UKHSA Red Sheep Tick Surveillance
• GBIF — Haemaphysalis punctata species page