Researchers from the University of Turku have launched a national tick collection campaign, urging citizens to send in any ticks they encounter for research purposes.
Researchers at the University of Turku have initiated a nationwide tick collection campaign, encouraging citizens across Finland to submit any ticks they find. This effort aims to assess how the diversity of ticks and the pathogens they carry has changed over the last decade. With tick season already in full swing in Southern Finland, individuals are being asked to contribute to the study through submissions until December.
The initiative comes at a time when there have been numerous tick sightings reported through the Tick live website, with 101 observations reported in the past week alone. As ticks become more active, the associated risk of tick-borne diseases is also rising. According to the researchers, a significant portion—about one-fifth—of ticks active in spring already carry Borrelia bacteria, highlighting the potential health risks as the peak periods for tick activity occur from May to June and August to September.
The launch of the tick collection is a response to growing concerns over public health as tick populations and their related diseases become more prominent in Finland. By engaging the public in research and raising awareness, the University of Turku aims to gain valuable data to inform future strategies in managing tick-related health risks.
