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Germany Faces Record Tick Activity This Summer

Health authorities emphasize reporting sightings through citizen science to map species expansion

Overview

  • Germany has logged record tick numbers this spring after an unusually mild winter boosted survival rates.
  • Up to 40 percent of adult ticks carry Borrelia bacteria; early summer meningoencephalitis remains prevalent in designated risk areas.
  • The Naturschutzbund, with support from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, is collecting citizen-submitted tick photos to track the geographic range of 20 native and emerging species.
  • Climate change is facilitating the northward migration of species like the Hyalomma tick, which can transmit Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.
  • Authorities recommend wearing long clothing, applying insect repellent, performing thorough body inspections after outdoor activities to prevent bites.