In order to map how the ticks are spreading in Sweden and to be warned about new species that can carry dangerous viruses, the public is now invited to send pictures of their findings to the State Veterinary Medical Institute (SVA).
– One aim is to be able to find unusual fortresses that do not usually occur in Sweden, says Giulio Grandi, researcher at SVA.
Climate change has contributed to an increased spread of ticks in Sweden, while new species continue to be discovered. Now SVA wants the public to help with an extra pair of eyes.
– One aim is to be able to find unusual fortresses that do not usually occur in Sweden, but which are important to know if there are cases of, says Giulio Grandi.
Keeping track of the tropical tick
The most common tick in Sweden spreads further north. At the same time, the researchers at SVA keep a watchful eye on the tropical “migratory bird tick” and “variegated dog tick” which have become increasingly common in the world.
– The migratory bird fortress can carry dangerous infectious agents from humans and bacteria that do not occur in Sweden.
– Variegated dog tick can carry TBE and Lyme disease, which are already present in Sweden, but this is worrying because it can carry parasites that can lead to severe illness for dogs, says Giulio Grandi.
“Helps a lot”
Now people can through SVA’s “Report Fortress” submit pictures or descriptions of ticks.
– Sweden is a large country that is difficult to monitor. If people can take pictures of fortresses themselves, it helps a lot.
The researchers are primarily interested in exotic fortresses that do not exist in the country, but they can be difficult to distinguish with the naked eye.
– In some cases, you can see if it is an unusual tick by using images in the “Report Tick” tool, but in some cases it is not possible.