Tick alert: Exotic species discovered in Sweden amidst climate change

The Swedish National Veterinary Institute (SVA) announced that a new, exotic species of tick named Dermacentor marginatus has been discovered in Sweden. This type of arachnid naturally occurs in Southern Europe, Iran, Kazakhstan, and the mountainous areas of Central Asia. It can cause haemorrhagic fever, which can lead to death.

The species dubbed the "pied sheep tick" in Sweden was found in the Stockholm region. Thanks to a parasite monitoring programme that allows anyone to send unusual specimens to experts, it was sent for research.

Following reports from Swedish residents, it was found that as many as ten new species of ticks, which generally do not appear in this part of the world, have emerged in the country. One of them appeared here for the first time. And that is very bad news.

According to the SVA communication, Dermacentor marginatus can transmit dangerous viruses, including those causing Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. The most common form of haemorrhagic fever is Ebola. Although this pathogen was not found in the ticks sent for analysis, ongoing investigations are looking into the presence of other viruses and bacteria, including the microbe Coxiella burnetti, which causes Q fever, also known as goat flu.

According to scientists, although only single specimens of the pied sheep tick have been found in Sweden, with climate change and rising temperatures, this species can expect to spread. Human and animal migrations and tourism development also influence the presence of new tick species in Scandinavia.

Swedish veterinary services encourage sending in ticks found within the country. First, however, a specimen photo should be uploaded through the institution's website. Experts also maintain a blog where they share their research findings. "It is important to map the occurrence of exotic tick species as early as possible to better prepare for cases of animal or human infections," emphasises Anna Omazic, a scientist at SVA.