Tick infestation in soldiers who were bivouacked in the Perth region.

We report observations on infestations with the tick, Amblyomma triguttatum, in soldiers who were bivouacked in two areas near Perth; 34% of 175 persons were infested with varying stages of the ectoparasite. Most persons were infested with only one tick but some troops had multiple infestations. Local skin reactions to tick-bites were frequent; they usually developed 24-48 h after removal of the tick and may indicate delayed hypersensitivity reactions. A small number of persons developed secondary bacterial infections. Management and prevention of these infestations is reviewed briefly.