Attention, tick plague! Nabu calls for dangerous bloodsuckers to report!

Attention, tick plague! Nabu calls for dangerous bloodsuckers to report!

Fürth, Deutschland - Summer is just around the corner and with it the tick time comes. The Nature Conservation Association Germany (NABU) calls the citizens to report. Regardless of whether on a cozy walk in the forest or when playing in the garden-ticks lurk everywhere and can transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme-Borreliosis and early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE). Citizens are encouraged to photograph and report online with an interactive registration campaign that is carried out in collaboration with the Hannover veterinary university (Tiho) (Tiho).

The crucial step is to remove the ticks correctly. Only after the animal has been removed painlessly should a photo be taken to enable precise identification. Animal owners in particular are asked to report the ticks of dogs and cats. The aim of this campaign is to research the effects of climate change on the spread of tick types in Germany.

The influence of climate change

scientists warn that climate change leads to the fact that ticks are increasingly spreading in higher altitudes and regions with milder winters. Studies show that the average temperatures rise and the warm temperatures enable almost year-round activity of the tick. This means an increased risk of transmission of the pathogens, as tiles are actively showing themselves in the past.

The new conditions also favor the spread of the Hyalomma tick, which originally comes from Africa, Asia and Southern Europe. According to the Robert Koch-Institut have repeatedly been proven in Germany since 2007. These ticks can carry the Crimean Congo virus, which can trigger the dangerous Crimea Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in humans. However, hyalomma ticks in Germany are still relatively rare.

remain active and take precautions

In order to minimize the risk of a tick bite, it is advisable to take precautionary measures: long clothing, insect -repellent sprays and thorough search for activities in nature are helpful tips. Hikers and nature lovers in particular should be aware of the ticks and prepare accordingly.

The year 2016 was particularly alarming, which went down in history as a tick record year. Due to high temperatures and extensive food offers for rodents, the tick populations occurred suddenly. In recent years, too, there have been an increase in the registered TBE cases in Germany, which of 583 cases in 2018 has reached the highest value since the notification was introduced. TBE is not curable and can have serious health consequences.

The message of ticks is not only important for personal health, but also contributes to science and understanding tick distribution in Germany. Take part and protect yourself and your loved ones in this tick time!