The variegated sheep tick, or Dermacentor marginatus, is usually found in southern Europe or countries such as Iran and Kazakhstan, according to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, SVA.
Last year, the species was discovered in Stockholm.
– It is a tick that is slightly larger than a normal one and has a variegated pattern on its back. You can understand from the name that it particularly likes sheep, but it has been seen that it goes on many other animals, says Anton de Jong.
Like other ticks, it can carry infectious agents, including the Crimean-Congo virus, which can cause hemorrhagic fever. The disease lacks treatment and has a high mortality rate.
But other ticks can also spread the virus.
– Just like our usual fortresses, it can spread many different viruses, bacteria and parasites. Even an ordinary tick can spread it, but it is not as good a host, says Anton de Jong, insect biologist.
He does not think there is cause for concern, but urges people to be vigilant.
– You should pay attention to whether you get ticks, remove them and send them to us if they look different.
All unusual tick findings made last year have been analyzed, and all showed negative for the Crimean Congo virus, according to the SVA.