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Tick nightmare 2025: Danger from Hyalomma and new pathogens!
2025 is predicted to be a critical year for ticks. Experts warn of increasing tick activity and new disease risks in Germany.
Tick nightmare 2025: Danger from Hyalomma and new pathogens!
The tick situation in Europe has changed dramatically in recent years, and the year 2025 is predicted to be one of the most difficult challenges in this regard. How meinkreis.at reported, the focus is primarily on the tropical Hyalomma ticks, which have already been detected in northern Germany. Lower Saxony is particularly affected, which underlines the concern of this new species of tick, which can potentially transmit diseases such as Crimean-Congo fever and typhus.
A look at the current figures shows that the number of TBE risk areas in Germany has now increased to 183 districts. The regions particularly affected include North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony. In Austria, however, the situation has also worsened: as early as 2025, 25 TBE cases were hospitalized here. The increase in the number of infections makes it clear that caution is necessary.
A worrying trend
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) recently confirmed that ticks are now active all year round due to mild winters and climate change. Prof. Ute Mackenstedt from the University of Hohenheim already considers 2025 to be one of the worst years for ticks. “Tick activity has shifted and often begins in early spring,” she explains, citing the worrying reports of spring tick activity. Some specimens were already spotted in February, which is favored by climate change geo.de informed.
Looking ahead to this development, new pathogens have come to the fore. The Alongshan virus, which can cause flu-like symptoms, was detected in Bavaria and Brandenburg. It is also important to monitor Babesia and Ehrlichia, whose danger is not only limited to dogs but can also affect people.
Protective measures and recommendations
In view of these developments, the TBE vaccination is recommended more than ever as a main safeguard, even outside of classic risk areas. Experts recommend checking your vaccination status before spending time outdoors. Long, light-colored clothing that is tucked into socks and repellents with icaridin or eucalyptus citriodora oil are indispensable companions. In addition, a tick tweezers or card should not be missing so that you are prepared in an emergency.
While enjoying nature, you should always stay on the paths and avoid tall grass and undergrowth. Ideally, breaks should be taken on picnic blankets or benches - this significantly minimizes the risk of tick infection. Pets also require special attention because they can bring ticks into the house.
After your stay, it is essential to check your body for ticks, especially in the backs of your knees, armpits and hairline. The clothing should then be changed and washed. Even pets need to be thoroughly examined, and ticks should be removed promptly and professionally if possible to avoid infection.
The situation is tense and requires all of us to be more vigilant. Ticks could be spreading more and more in Austria, and previous experience has shown that climate change is also wreaking havoc on our domestic ecosystem. Therefore, it remains important to stay informed and act preventatively to protect yourself and others.