The giant arachnids known as ‘Monster Ticks’, which are normally found in tropical climates such as Africa and southeast Asia, are known for transmitting the deadly Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV).
Scientists from the University of Warsaw said: “The mortality rate of people infected with the virus is high (10–60%%) and treatment is unavailable.”
Now the ticks, officially known as Hyalomma, have been spotted in places such as Germany and Sweden, raising fears that they could soon reach the border with Poland.
In response, the Warsaw scientists have launched a special program aimed at creating a map of the tick threat in Poland.
Writing on the university’s website, the scientists said: “Hyalomma ticks are really large arachnids, with characteristic long, striped legs.
“Adult ticks (female) are up to four times larger than female common ticks commonly found in Poland.
“Body color from reddish brown to almost black.”
The statement added that “in recent years there have been reports of adult Hyalomma ticks attacking people and animals, e.g., in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and even Sweden.”
“Ticks were collected there from horses, dogs, cattle and also found in homes.”
“Public involvement in the 'National Tick Collection' program may contribute to collecting invaluable knowledge about new threats from ticks and to the development of science.”
“The collected knowledge will allow you to prevent tick-borne diseases and prepare a threat map.”
For more information about how to get involved click
here.
