(SVA) reported that they had found a specimen of the tick species Dermacentor marginatus in the Stockholm region. The exotic parasite occurs naturally in southern Europe, Iran and Kazakhstan, and in mountainous areas of Central Asia.
A new species of tick has appeared in Sweden. It may pose a threat
According to the SVA, there is a high probability that the tick carries dangerous viruses. So far, the parasites have been tested for the presence of the microorganism Coxiella burnetti, which causes Q fever, or the so-called goat flu, and the virus that causes Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.
Scientists say the arachnids, also known as variegated sheep ticks, could start spreading quickly. Only a few of these ticks have been discovered in Sweden so far, but climate change, rising temperatures and human and animal migrations are expected to have an impact on the species’ development.
Swedish citizens asked for help as scientists want to monitor species
Currently, the tick season is in full swing. Researchers from SVA asked residents of Sweden to send them photos of arachnids found in the country via a special form on their website. Based on each report, they will be able to monitor and map the occurrence of the species Dermacentor marginatus. Scientists also maintain a special blog devoted to the new species of ticks. They publish the results of their research there and provide the above-mentioned map of the occurrence of parasites.
Source: Gazeta
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