Exotic Hyalomma ticks have appeared in Europe and can transmit the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. So far, the presence of adult individuals has not been confirmed in Poland. Scientists from the University of Warsaw ask all people who notice the arachnid to report such cases.
Every year, in spring, thousands of Hyalomma larvae and nymphs reach Europe, including Poland, along with birds migrating from Africa. On the way or after reaching the continent, ticks usually died due to low temperature and humidity. However, warm and dry springs meant that ticks survived the journey to Europe. They were found on horses and dogs in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Sweden. In Poland, scientists have not yet found this species during field research.
Ticks transmit, among others: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. The mortality rate of people suffering from the virus is 10-60%.
The National Tick Collection project started this spring. This is a citizen science study carried out at the Department of Eco-epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases at the Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, under the supervision of prof. Anna Bajer.
Scientists from the University of Warsaw plan to estimate the population of Hyalomma ticks in Poland. For this purpose, they are asking for help from people relaxing outdoors, dog and horse owners and animal breeders.
– Just pay attention to the appearance of large, very mobile ticks with long legs in the area and on animals – these may be Hyalomma. These ticks are more than twice the size of Polish species and very fast, because they have to chase their prey in the semi-desert areas they inhabit. Equipped with well-developed eyes, they efficiently locate potential prey. Females full of blood have record sizes, up to 1.5-2 cm in length - says Prof. Anna Bajer from the Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw.
Ticks can be photographed and reported via the website https://narodowekleszczobranie.pl.
The National Tick Collection project makes it possible to share observations of unusual ticks with scientists, send them for research and map new locations. Citizen science projects make it possible to expand the scope of research and increase knowledge - especially practical - about a given issue. This is the first project of this type in Poland.
source: University of Warsaw
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