Ticks remain active for longer and new types of spread
In the year 2018, experts talked of a record-breaking year of the tick. Latest studies have shown that the little bloodsuckers are always earlier in the year. Thus, the number of reported TBE cases is increasing. Due to the mild climate are also increasingly new species of Ticks, such as the tropical Hyalomma tick wide, the new pathogens, such as Crimean-Congo fever Virus, or typhus bacteria. A expert reported.
Dr. Gerhard Dobler from the National consultant laboratory for TBE (early summer meningoencephalitis) recently delivered a lecture on the topic of parasite protection. The expert reported that ticks are almost year-round active and also new types of parasites. In 2018 a large number of tropical and sub-tropical ticks of the genus Hyalomma appeared for the first time in Germany, but also the ornate cow tick from southern Europe is on the rise.
The dry summer of 2018 made it possible
Experts lead the strong spread on the dry and hot summer of 2018. “The Hyalomma can transmit dangerous pathogens, such as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever Virus, or typhus bacteria in humans and animals,” said Dr. Dobler at a press conference from MSD animal health. According to the experts were found at the half of the Hyalomma tick typhus bacteria (Rickettsia). Should repeat itself in Germany, so a summer like last year, it is expected that with the establishment of new tick species, warns the expert.
The tick season starts earlier and ends later
“Studies show that in the last 20 years, TBE cases in humans, around four weeks earlier and up to four weeks later in the year being reported,” says Dobler. Thus, the period of Activity of ticks was extended by two months. With the longer tick season is also a generally increased risk for infections and tropical diseases go hand in hand, which can be transmitted by ticks.
Protect Pets from parasites
“Ticks, but also fleas and mosquitoes always mean a zoonotic risk”, adds Dr. Rainer roepke, managing Director of MSD Animal Health. Zoonoses are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. A reliable parasite protection is not only a protection for beloved Pets, but also offer more safety for the whole family. In addition to dogs and cats, horses are more likely to be affected. Have been found in horses in the year 2018, increased ulcers, caused by the bite of the Hyalomma tick. (vb)