Researchers explain the reason: ticks are also active in winter

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Ticks are also active in winter. Studies by researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (D) have confirmed this, according to a statement on Thursday. According to the researchers, climate change is causing mild winters and associated little or often no snowfall, which affects tick activity.

The researchers caught ticks in the field and on so-called tick plots. These are outdoor areas where ticks can climb thin wooden sticks and be counted. Veterinarians also submitted around 20,000 wood ticks and meadow ticks.

The research shows that the meadow tick is constantly active in winter, except when it snows. The common woodbuck is now also active in mild winters from December to February.

Risk of infection all year round

A significant increase in the activity of both tick species was observed, especially in February. Because ticks can transmit various infectious diseases, there is now a risk of infection for humans and animals all year round.

Other scientists had previously warned that ticks were active much earlier or even all year round due to climate change. Earlier this week, a study was released showing that Swiss ticks are more dangerous than previously known. Researchers from the University of Zurich (UZH) have found pathogenic viruses or bacteria in almost every tick.

To do this, they extracted RNA and DNA from more than 10,000 ticks and examined them for viruses. They also tested the ticks for bacteria using PCR tests. At least one non-viral pathogen was found in 77.2 percent of the ticks examined. (SDA)

Source: Blick