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Beware of ticks: New TBE risk areas discovered in Lower Saxony!
High temperatures promote ticks in Lower Saxony. Two new TBE risk areas require protective measures and vaccinations.
Beware of ticks: New TBE risk areas discovered in Lower Saxony!
High temperatures and precipitation – the weather currently offers optimal conditions for ticks, which are active throughout Germany. This is particularly noticeable in Lower Saxony, where there have been two TBE risk areas in Emsland since 2019 and in the Celle district since 2025. The Lower Saxony State Health Office (NLGA) urgently recommends protective measures against the small but dangerous pests that can transmit serious diseases such as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). In 2024, 686 TBE diseases were reported nationwide - this is the second highest number since 2001, as NDR reports.
So what do you do to get through the tick season safely? A few simple measures can help: sturdy shoes, light-colored clothing, insect repellent and a thorough search after spending time outdoors 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 be severe, range from fever to headaches to vomiting. There is no vaccination for Lyme disease, another tick-borne disease, but redness around the bite site is a warning sign. Removing the tick quickly is crucial; In the case of Lyme disease, the infection can be treated with antibiotics.
Ticks and climate change
The observations of the research group at the Institute of Parasitology at the Hannover Veterinary University Foundation (TiHo) show that the TBE risk areas are spreading from south to north. Ticks are active all year round due to climate change and mild winters. Experts warn that the current map from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows an increase in risk areas. Researchers also expect further new TBE risk areas in 2024. Alarming figures come from Sweden, where the number of TBE cases has doubled, while a nationwide risk of TBE is approaching in Germany. The [WDR](https://www1.wdr.de/nachrichten/zecken-borreliose-fsme-risk areas-100.html) points out that there are regional differences in Germany too and caution is therefore advised.
Dealing with ticks
A special campaign calls for people to report ticks found in order to investigate their spread. NABU works closely with the Hanover University of Veterinary Medicine. The aim is to research the distribution of tick species in Germany in the context of climate change. There are a total of 20 species of ticks in Germany, whose habitat can change due to warming temperatures. The Standing 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 statutory health insurance companies.
In summary, anyone who is in areas where ticks are common is advised to take precautionary measures. Because anything that doesn't suit ticks can quickly become dangerous. That's why we should all be good at avoiding ticks and check our surroundings regularly.