For pathogens transmitted by biting vectors, one of the fundamental assumptions 
is often that vector bites are the sole or main route of host infection. Here, 
we demonstrate experimentally a transmission route whereby hosts (red grouse, 
Lagopus lagopus scoticus) became infected with a member of the tick-borne 
encephalitis virus complex, louping ill virus, after eating the infected tick 
vector. Furthermore, we estimated from field observations that this mode of 
infection could account for 73-98% of all virus infections in wild red grouse in 
their first season. This has potential implications for the understanding of 
other biting vector-borne pathogens where hosts may ingest vectors through 
foraging or grooming.