[migratory birds]

...the ones that can transmit Lyme disease. How common are they in NZ? Where do they tend to be most concentrated? Anyone know?

http://www.oes.org/html/how_2_identify_different_ticks.html

[KerryS]

As far as I'm aware the only ticks in NZ are cattle ticks, and these do not carry or transmit Lyme disease.
I've checked HORT but can't find anything about deer ticks at all, and I've never heard of them here.

[Jo Jo]

Yep, they're not in NZ, according to a report published by (http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/regs/imports/risk/risk-assessment-vector-borne-diseases.pdf) Biosecurity New Zealand in June 2007.

Western black-legged tick Ixodes Pacificus

Distribution in NZ

Not in NZ. Could establish throughout NZ, wide host range and able to withstand climatic extremes

Eastern black-legged tick Ixodes Scapularis (deer tick)

Distribution in NZ

Not in NZ.

[nippa&pippa]

you can buy flea treatment with cattle ticks protection in it by frontlines as options. We chosen that option for our dog because we live in rural locations with dairy farms around us...

[M-Squared]

Excellent news! :nice1 Not something I had honestly thought of, though I was always scared silly of getting something preventable like Lyme disease when in the US. :eek:

[migratory birds]

Thanks, JoJo. The Western Black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is exactly the critter I found yesterday in our yard and the one I don't want to find myself living in the midst of in NZ. T'would be one reason MAF should completely ban all used tents/hammocks/outdoor furniture (and dare I say pets??) from coming into the country (or treat in whatever way they need to those non-living items to get rid of nymphs, larvve and adults). Lyme disease runs a truly nasty course if not identified/fully treated in its early stages.