Effects of Climate Change on Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Europe
Author Information
Author(s): J. S. Gray, H. Dautel, A. Estrada-Peña, O. Kahl, E. Lindgren
Hypothesis
Climate change is affecting the distribution and abundance of ticks and the incidence of tick-borne diseases in Europe.
Conclusion
Climate change is likely contributing to the increased prevalence of tick-borne diseases in Europe by altering tick distribution and activity patterns.
Supporting Evidence
- Ticks are expanding their range northward and to higher altitudes due to climate change.
- Increased winter activity of ticks is likely due to warmer winters.
- Climate models predict that several tick species will establish more northern populations.
- Changes in climate are correlated with increased incidence of tick-borne diseases like Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis.
Takeaway
As the climate gets warmer, ticks are moving to new areas and becoming more active, which can lead to more diseases being spread.
Methodology
The review discusses various studies and models related to tick distribution, climate change impacts, and tick-borne disease incidence.
Limitations
The complex ecology and epidemiology of tick-borne diseases make it difficult to isolate climate change as the sole cause of increased disease prevalence.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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