New Monzec app: This is how we fight ticks in the Alpine region!

New Monzec app: This is how we fight ticks in the Alpine region!

On June 20, 2025, the infectiologist Gernot Walder presented the new "Monzec" monitoring app, which was specially developed for monitoring ticks. This innovative application is intended to help achieve a better understanding of the spread of ticks in East Tyrol, South Tyrol and Belluno. Ticks that are the most common parasites in the Alpine region according to mosquitoes are a significant risk because they are carriers of different diseases.

The app was developed in close cooperation with the South Tyrolean hunting association, veterinary doctors from Belluno and the Tyrolean Jägerverband. Jäger play a crucial role because they regularly come into contact with ticks. Monzec enables users to record information about found ticks, including the type, number and the exact location. This data is stored anonymously in a database and contribute to the scientific analysis of the tick population. Users can also upload photos of the ticks to further support the recording.

growing dangers and monitoring system

The spread of new tick types and the settlement of areas that traditionally considered tick -free have increased the risk of infection for humans. These developments require an effective monitoring system that captures the current situation and provides valid data for the distribution of ticks. Educational and sensitization measures are necessary to inform the population about the changed dangers and to develop suitable protective measures, as the project shows. Rmo supports this initiative and focuses on the comprehensive vectoronitoring in the affected regions.

The influence of climate change

Another aspect that influences the tick population is the climatic changes. In Germany, unusual warm and dry weather conditions have changed the tick fauna regionally in recent years, as zepak. New tick types with different behaviors could be additional risks to public health. These include the Auwald ticks, relics and hyalomma ticks, which not only complement domestic tick species, but can also act as vectors for dangerous diseases.

The monitoring system in East Tyrol and the surrounding regions is an important step to better master the challenges that arise from climatic changes. By collecting medically relevant data about tick populations, communication, information and prevention is strengthened in the area of public health.

Further information on Monzec and the associated projects can be found on Zeckencheck.at.