Giant tick in East Tyrol: New danger discovered for humans and animals!

Giant tick in East Tyrol: New danger discovered for humans and animals!

On August 27, 2025, a giant tick of this species was discovered for the first time in the municipality of Lavant in East TyrolHyalomma marginatumproven. This discovery came when the tick was discovered on a horse and examined in the Ausservillgraten infection laboratory. The tick's route to East Tyrol remains unclear. Possible causes are migratory birds or travel traffic. However, it is unlikely that this giant tick will settle permanently in Austria as the climatic conditions in the region are not optimal for its settlement. So far, no further finds of this specimen have been registered in Tyrol, but there were sightings in Styria and Carinthia as early as May 2025.

TheHyalomma marginatumis particularly widespread in Mediterranean areas and on the coasts of the Black Sea. So far, only individual animals that have immigrated have been documented in Austria. The life cycle of this tick is particularly interesting: larvae and nymphs are brought to Northern Europe by migratory birds in spring. These giant ticks reach lengths of up to 6.5 millimeters when fully grown, and when full they can even grow up to two centimeters long. Their distinctive features include striped legs and the ability to sense vibrations, allowing them to actively move toward potential hosts.

Health risks and disease transmission

TheHyalomma marginatumis considered a possible carrier of the dangerous Crimean-Congo fever as well as typhus, which is caused by the bacteriumRickettsia aeschlimanniicaused. In the current case, the laboratory is testing whether the tick from Lavant carries the relevant pathogens. The AGES (Agency for Health and Food Security) tick monitoring monitors the occurrence of ticks and their disease vectors in order to inform the population about possible risks. If someone discovers a giant tick in Austria, it is recommended to send a photo to an infection laboratory or AGES.

In Germany, the CLIMATICK project, which was launched by the RKI (Robert Koch Institute), is investigating how climatic changes affect the tick fauna. The aim of the CLIMATICK project is to record various tick species and to study tick-borne pathogens. This project is also intended to provide information about which new pathogens could arise in Germany as a result of climate change and globalization. A tick atlas will help to get an overview of existing tick species and their pathogens.

Research and public participation

By collaborating with the public through citizen science projects, such as the CLIMATICK/ZEPAK project, citizens can actively contribute to research by collecting and submitting ticks. The RKI has been collecting ticks in Berlin and Brandenburg since 2008 and has developed methodological standards for this survey. These projects raise awareness of the health risks that ticks can pose.

In summary, the discovery of the giant tick in East Tyrol represents an important signal for the health authorities. It is hoped that the risks posed by such ticks can be identified and minimized through targeted monitoring measures and research.

For further information on the types of ticks that have occurred and the associated risks, interested people can visit the websites 5min, ORF Tyrol as well as the RKI visit.