For many years, ticks were considered almost exclusively a rural problem. Now, the greater presence of people in natural spaces and the growing presence of these mites even in urban areas (parks and gardens, for example), as well as the appearance in our country of invasive species is increasing risk situations. It should not be forgotten that these ectoparasites, in addition to annoying with their bites, can be dangerous due to their quality as vectors (transmitting agents) of various diseases.
To improve knowledge of the species and distribution of ticks in Spain, a team of experts led by Félix Valcárcel Sancho (INIA-CSIC) and Ãngeles Sonia Olmeda GarcÃa (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Complutense University of Madrid) has launched the Gares project, with which the aim is to collaboratively create the first global and updated map of ticks in Spain.
Professor Olmeda explains that the new map is intended to “expand knowledge about the presence of ticks to all geographical areas of Spain.” Until now, the individual efforts of researchers have made it possible to describe certain areas in detail, but there are areas that have not been studied and, therefore, are unknown.
“It is possible that we may be surprised, not so much in the species, as that some of them are present in areas that we did not know about. This map is the starting point for future studies that analyze whether a specific tick is expanding its distribution area and also of subsequent initiatives for the control and prevention of the diseases they transmit”, explains Ãngeles Sonia Olmeda to La Vanguardia.
In addition to scientific knowledge, another of the objectives of the Gares project is that, “as is the case with mosquitoes, the population is aware that there are different types of ticks, with specific characteristics.” “That is the success of this parasitic group, that its different species have been able to adapt to different environmental conditions. That is why generalization is very difficult. Serenity, it is necessary to publicize the different species of ticks that exist in the country and its health implications”, details this expert from the Department of Animal Health of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the UCM.
Pending confirmation of the data, once the new map is completed, Professor Olmeda explains that “the feeling is that some genera, such as Hyalomma, are now more abundant and are found in areas where previously there was no record. However , we must be cautious in this statement, since there are no previous records, it is possible that, given the growing awareness of the problem, researchers and the general population are more sensitive to their findings than in previous times, when they were not I paid attention to them.”
The gradual increase in temperatures, Olmeda points out, “has allowed the existence of autochthonous populations of ticks of the genus Hyalomma in Central European countries where, in the past, they could not overcome the cold winters. It is also possible that changes in land use be the trigger for the increase in ticks of a specific species”.
Are ticks a growing health problem in Spain?
Professor Olmedo explains that “the ticks that we are identifying are autochthonous species that have always been in our country and that have transmitted well-known diseases since ancient times, such as Mediterranean Exanthematic Fever and, in certain areas, Borreliosis”. “Two fundamental factors have changed, on the one hand, they have ceased to be occupational diseases of field workers or in contact with animals, since now the percentage of the population in contact with nature, not only for labor issues, but for leisure, is much higher, facilitating contact with the vector”, indicates the project coordinator Gares together with Professor Valcárcel
“I am not saying that in specific areas and under certain conditions it is not a growing problem, but it cannot be generalized and after this study we will be able to answer this question in more detail,” he says.
Professor Olmedo stresses, on the other hand, that “the important thing is to keep in mind that this project is everyone’s business, especially the professional groups in contact with animals who will have the opportunity to collaborate on the map, understanding that their efforts will benefit of all”. Those interested in participating can access from the form created for it.
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