The unseasonably warm winter has led to an early awakening for ticks across Sweden, prompting researchers to seek public assistance in mapping their prevalence and distribution. The State Veterinary Institute (SVA), in collaboration with uppsala University, is spearheading an initiative to track tick populations and study the spread and genetic evolution of tick-borne diseases like TBE (Tick-borne encephalitis).

Citizen Science: A Vital Tool for Tick Surveillance

Since its launch in May 2023, the SVA’s online reporting tool has received over 20,000 submissions from concerned citizens, providing valuable data on tick encounters. While initial enthusiasm led to a high volume of reports,participation has waned recently. Murielle Ålund, a researcher at SVA, emphasizes that this decline doesn’t necessarily indicate fewer ticks, but rather a decrease in media attention surrounding the project. The SVA is now actively encouraging renewed participation to maintain accurate surveillance.

It is indeed a great tool, which also gives us track of exotic ticks that come here, such as with migratory birds.
Murielle Ålund, Researcher at SVA

The data collected through this citizen science initiative is crucial for monitoring the spread of both native and exotic tick species, some of which may arrive with migratory birds. This information is vital for understanding potential risks to public health and developing effective prevention strategies.

TBE Research and Mapping

This year, a key focus of the research is to gain a deeper understanding of the geographical spread of TBE and how the virus is evolving genetically across Sweden.This collaborative effort with Uppsala University will provide insights that were previously unattainable.

We will also study the extent to which the TBE virus has changed genetically over time in different places in Sweden, something that could not be done before.
Professor Åke Lundkvist, uppsala University

Understanding the genetic variations of the TBE virus is crucial for developing targeted vaccines and treatments. Current TBE vaccination rates vary across Sweden, with some regions showing lower uptake than others.Increased awareness and accessible vaccination programs are essential for mitigating the risk of TBE infection.

Regional Hotspots and Reporting Leaders

Analyzing the data collected so far, Stockholm municipality leads in the number of reported tick encounters with 594 reports, followed by Norrtälje (449), Värmdö (253), nacka (235), and haninge (211). These figures highlight areas where tick activity is particularly high, but it’s crucial to remember that ticks can be found throughout the country.

How You Can Help: Become a Tick Tracker

The SVA is urging all residents to participate in this important research.Here’s how you can contribute:

1. Photograph the tick: Capture a clear image of the tick.
2. Report Online: Submit your photo and location details through the SVA’s web tool, Report Tick.
3. Send the Tick: Mail the tick to SVA using the pre-paid postage provided.

Participating in this project is free and provides valuable data for researchers working to protect public health. By becoming a citizen scientist, you can play a crucial role in understanding and mitigating the risks associated with ticks and tick-borne diseases.