Be careful, ticks! Nabu calls on citizens to report dangerous parasites

Be careful, ticks! Nabu calls on citizens to report dangerous parasites

The German Nature Conservation Association (Nabu) calls on all citizens to report ticks they find. These small but dangerous bloodsuckers can transmit a number of diseases, including Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). To better understand the spread of ticks and their impact on health, citizens are asked to first remove and then photograph any ticks they find. The photos can then be uploaded online to help identify the different species of ticks. This initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Hannover University of Veterinary Medicine (TiHo) and is particularly important for pet owners, who should also report ticks on dogs and cats. The aim of the campaign is to record the geographical distribution of tick species in Germany and to investigate which animal species are most frequently affected. Christina Strube from TiHo emphasizes how crucial visual data is for the analysis.

This report comes at a time when Germany is increasingly confronted with new species of ticks and pathogens. As br.de reports, rising temperatures and mild winters in particular are bringing not only native but also non-native species to German shores. New ticks include, for example, the Hyalomma tick, which comes from Africa and southern Europe and comes to Germany via migratory birds. This species is not only larger than domestic ticks, but can also transmit the dangerous Crimean-Congo fever virus. Another example is the brown dog tick, which is also increasingly found in Germany due to climate change.

Climate change and health risks

But the problems don't stop there. According to a report by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), climate change is promoting the spread of diseases in Germany, including through the spread of ticks and other vectors. Warm temperatures and more frequent heat waves make it easier for pathogens that these bloodsuckers can transmit to multiply. The Tagesschau highlights that four to six heat waves per year are expected by the end of the century, which poses a serious health risk, especially for older people and people with previous illnesses.

What is particularly alarming is the fact that tropical species, such as the Asian tiger mosquito, are also coming to Germany. This has already been proven in southwest Germany and other cities such as Berlin. This mosquito can transmit dangerous viruses, including dengue and Zika viruses. The experts are calling for increased monitoring of the vectors in order to be able to react in good time before a major outbreak occurs.

Strengthen collaboration

In order to overcome this challenge, broad participation of the population is required. Nabu and TiHo are making a joint effort to collect data that can be crucial for future measures. Pet owners in particular are called upon not only to submit their own tick reports, but also to actively raise awareness. The more information is collected, the better measures can be developed to protect the health of people and animals.

Experience to date shows that our interaction with nature and the changes caused by climate change have a direct impact on our health. Understanding and reporting ticks can make a critical contribution to addressing these challenges.