Year of the Ticks Invasion Researchers warn of new vectors of viruses in 2019

2018 was a record year for ticks - 2019 could get worse

In 2018, the highest number of ticks ever seen was documented in Germany - a record year for ticks. Experts predict that this record could be broken again this year. In addition to the striking number of juveniles (nymphs), the spread of new types of ticks is worrying. Experts exchanged views on this issue at the MSD Parasitology Congress in Vienna.

The risks to human and animal health from ticks will continue to rise in 2019, warn tick experts who have come together at the MSD Parasitology Congress in Vienna. 23 leading scientists as well as veterinarian and medical doctors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland exchanged views on the current germination of the tick population at the congress.

The different stages of development of the common woodbuck, a widespread species of tick in Germany. (Image: obs / MSD Animal Health / Dr Gerhard Dobler)

Ticks on the rise

Already in the spring of 2018 Dr. Gerhard Dobler of the Institute for Microbiology of the German Armed Forces in Munich, the record high on the basis of his long-term surveys ahead. This has now been confirmed at the congress. The experts report a worrying increase. In the past nine years, about 260 ticks lived on an area of ​​100 square meters. In 2018, a tick count of 400 pieces per 100 square meters was measured.

New types of ticks are spreading

"We are observing the spread of new species of ticks, such as the floodplain forest, which migrates west about 50 kilometers per year and has already reached Hanover," Dr. Gerhard Dobler at the MSD Parasitology Congress. In addition, the continuous increase in the total number of ticks is worrying. The ticks are considered transmitters of dangerous infectious diseases such as the Crimean Congo virus, Heartland virus, Neoehrlichia or Anaplasma.

Higher and longer infection risks

"There are more and new ticks that are active in mild years earlier and remain active longer and transmit more dangerous diseases," warns the tick specialist. With the record high of the tick population at the same time a new maximum number of tick-borne encephalitis cases occurred. The awareness of this new threat is not yet pronounced in the population, the experts emphasize.

Deceptive security

In summer, many dog ​​and cat owners noted a decline in tick bites in their pets. "But that does not mean that the ticks were not there or were not active," Dr. Daniel Sicher, Managing Director of MSD Animal Health. Ticks would retreat temporarily into the forest during heat and drought. In addition, in 2018 also unusually many ticks nymphs were spotted. These juveniles are much harder for the layman to perceive than adult ticks.

Why is the number of ticks increasing??

In the reasons for this rapid increase, all experts agreed. The massive spread is fueled by climate change, international traffic, international animal trade and changes in landscape and agriculture. (Vb)

Additional Information:
Lethal risks from new carriers: This subtropical species of ticks is increasingly spreading
Increasing TBE risk: Infections by ticks have continued to increase