Find out More

• Protect yourself from tick bites: https://lymediseaseuk.com/2016/02/10/avoiding-bites-preventing-lyme-disease/
• Learn how to remove embedded ticks (not everyone sees them): http://lymediseaseuk.com/2015/10/26/tick-removal/
• Recognise a bulls-eye rash (not everyone gets one): http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/about-lyme/rashes/
• Lyme disease is often called the “Great Imitator” - learn about other symptoms: http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/about-lyme/symptoms/
• Understand why early treatment is essential: http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/about-lyme/treatment/
• Undestand what it feels like to have Lyme Disease: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07234B3DJ/

Presenting the Petition to The Petitions Committee

Scottish Parliament Motion

M-04825: Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 22/03/2017

Lyme Disease, The Need To Do More 

That the Parliament recognises that Lyme disease is affecting many people across Scotland, including in Aberdeenshire; considers that there is a lack of awareness and education to prevent further infections in 2017; notes calls for the issues surrounding diagnosis and treatment to be explored further; further notes calls for public education on the dangers of tick bites and for doctors to become better informed so that patients are not left undiagnosed, and notes the support for Lyme Disease UK’s campaign to help increase awareness of this disease.

Professional Support for Change 

A Holyrood presentation (Dr. Joshua Berkowitz): https://youtu.be/RqUpzjUH0EU

In the Belgian Senate (Dr. Richard Horowitz): http://youtu.be/SXxWxMuUh8w

A US point of view (Dr. Daniel Cameron): https://youtu.be/FaMWoKhn_dw

And another (Dr. Steven Phillips): https://youtu.be/Fy0ViOX7xNk

A French point of view (Prof. Peronne, in French): HTTPS://youtu.be/h7_zu0eYGwg

More French context (Prof. Francisco Veas): http://www.contagionlive.com/videos/issues-faced-by-lyme-disease-patients-living-in-europe

About the ILADS Physician Training Program (Dr. Joseph Jemsek): www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nrfbWKeQHM

Political Support for Change 

A Westminster point of view (Lord Astor of Hever): https://youtu.be/-FbmcEsK5YQ

A Canadian point of view (MP Len Webber): http://youtu.be/S0OLJHQdzZ4

An Irish point of view (Michael Healy-Rae): https://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2017-09-27a.525#g526

Support and Information Groups 

Lyme Disease Action provides UK-based information on tick-borne diseases: http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/

Lyme Disease UK provides patient support: https://lymediseaseuk.com/ - they also have a Facebook support group with over 8000 members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/481294698590907/

Caudwell LymeCo Charity seeks to improve awareness and knowledge amongst the general public and the medical profession: https://caudwelllyme.com/

Ticktalk Ireland provides support in Ireland: http://ticktalkireland.org/

LymeDiseaseAlba is a recently created Facebook group to provide support for Scottish patients: https://www.facebook.com/groups/580078822148906/

Petitions

There are numerous petitions worldwide. Included here are a few with over 10,000 signatures:

UK Petitions:
- Over 13,000 signatures on Lyme treatment in the UK: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/uklymepetition/
- Over 11,000 signatures on petition (now closed) on treatment in England: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/113475 

US Petitions:
- Over 47,00 signatures: https://www.change.org/p/president-trump-and-congress-drain-the-cdc-swamp-and-legalize-lyme-disease
- Over 35,000 signatures: https://www.change.org/p/the-us-senate-calling-for-a-congressional-investigation-of-the-cdc-idsa-and-aldf

Other Countries:
- Over 44,000 signatures (Australia): https://www.change.org/p/hon-greg-hunt-mp-please-lead-the-health-department-to-recognise-and-support-lyme-and-lyme-like-disease-patients-and-their-doctors-in-australia
- Over 30,000 signatures (Canada): https://www.change.org/p/minister-philpott-ticking-lyme-bomb-in-canada-fix-canada-s-lyme-action-plan-now