Attention before ticks: Discovered new TBE risk areas in Lower Saxony!

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High temperatures promote ticks in Lower Saxony. Two new TBE risk areas require protective measures and vaccinations.
High temperatures promote ticks in Lower Saxony. Two new TBE risk areas require protective measures and vaccinations. (Symbolbild/MND)

High temperatures and precipitation - the weather currently offers optimal conditions for ticks that are active throughout Germany. This is particularly noticeable in Lower Saxony, because there have been two TBE risk areas in the Emsland since 2019 and since 2025 in the district of Celle. The Lower Saxony State Health Office (NLGA) urgently recommends protective measures against the small but dangerous plague enthusiast who can transmit serious illnesses such as early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE). In 2024, 686 TBE diseases were reported nationwide-this has been the second highest number since 2001, such as [NDR] (https://www.ndr.de/niederrichten/niedersachsen/hannover_weser-leinegebiet/ideales-fuer-zecken-zwei-fsme-niedersachsen ,zecken270.html) reported.

So what do you do to get through the tick time safely? A few simple measures can help: firm footwear, light clothing, insect protection and a thorough search for the outdoor stay should be on the to-do list. In addition, a TBE vaccination is recommended for all people who live or travel in risk areas. The symptoms of a TBE infection, which can lead to severe courses, range from fever to headaches to vomiting. With borreliosis, another disease transmitted by ticks, there is no vaccination, but redness around the puncture site is a warning signal. Rapid removal of the tick is crucial; In the case of borreliosis, the infection with antibiotics can be treated.

tick and climate change

The observations of the research group at the Institute for Parasitology of the Veterinary University Hanover (Tiho) Foundation show that the TBE risk areas spread from south to north. Ticks are active all year round due to climate change and mild winter. Experts warn that the current map of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows an increase in risk areas. In addition, researchers expect further new TBE risk areas for 2024. Alarming numbers come from Sweden, where the number of TBE cases has doubled, while a nationwide risk of TBE in Germany is approaching. The WDR indicates that there are also differences in Germany and is therefore required.

dealing with ticks

A special action calls for reporting found ticks to examine the distribution. The NABU works closely with the Hanover University of Veterinary Medicine. The aim is to research the spread of tick types in Germany in the context of climate change. There are a total of 20 ticks in Germany, the habitat of which can change due to the warming temperatures. The constant vaccination commission (STIKO) recommends the TBE vaccination, especially for people in risk areas and those who travel there and come into contact with ticks. The costs for vaccination protection are covered by the statutory health insurance companies.

In summary, it can be said that everyone who is in areas with tick volume is well advised to take precautions. Because what does not fit in terms of tick can be dangerous very quickly. Therefore, we should all have a good knack for avoiding ticks and regularly search our surroundings.

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