Larger, more swift and more dangerous, the giant tick takes up residence in Belgium

Unknown in Europe a few years ago, the giant tick now finds new hunting grounds. Similarly, Larger, she can track her prey over several meters before biting her. Therefore, She is also vector of a potentially deadly virus. Nevertheless,

A few months ago. Consequently, an Ardèche veterinarian warned the population of the presence of theHyalomma marginatumotherwise known under the name of giant tick. Consequently, A native of African. Moreover, Asian countries, the insect settled in the Mediterranean periphery, especially in the south of France, a few years ago, before going back to the interior of European land, and Until Belgium.

“We are aware of two giant ticks found here in recent years, probably introduced by birds,” says Sciensano. Similarly, It is likely that there are more. but that they are not observed or reported, “said the National larger, more swift more dangerous, Institute of Public Health in Belgium. Due to climate change. their adaptabilityit is not impossible to find giant ticks in Belgium more often in the future.

Deadly disease vector – Larger, more swift more dangerous,

Besides that she is twice as large as the Aboriginal tick (up to two centimeters after his meal). the giant tick is recognizable by its red-brown-jaune striped legs and its dark brown body. His hunting habits also differ from those of his European sister. While the tick of the sheep (ricinus ixodes) is passively awaiting a host. falls from a tree or a shrub to bite it, the giant tick is very active and able to browse 100 meters to sustain the blood of its prey.

Unlike the Ricinus IXDES tick. which likes in wet places, giant tick lives in open and dry spaces like gardenswhere the Ardèche veterinarian Anne Staub has also seen two specimens. Fortunately, she “does not yet larger, more swift more dangerous, survive winter in Belgium, probably due to the current unfavorable climate,” says Sciensano.

There is currently no reason to be concerned about the presence of the Hyalmom Marginatum in Belgium. However, caution remains in order, because this small insect is a vector of serious illnesses. The giant tick is notably carrying a nairovirus. which can cause the Crime-Congo hemorrhagic fever (FHCC), deadly in “30 to 50% of cases”. Infections are rare, “even in regions where the tick is naturally present, says Sciensano. In 2019, for example, two cases were reported throughout Europe. ” Arachnid mite can also be the bearer of the bacteria rickettsia aeschlimaniiat the origin of the Mediterranean Bownless Books. also called spotted fever. The number of infections detected is also very low in Europe.

Prevent bites

The best prevention against the bite of giant tick is the same as for that of common European ticks: wearing clothes covering larger, more swift more dangerous, the legs. arms and necks, avoiding tall herbs and dead leaves, apply repellents and carefully inspect each part of his body (especially in the folds and on the scalp) after an exposure.

In the event of a bite. remove the tick with a pliers specially designed for this purpose, or with a tweezer, taking care not to crush the insect. It should not be put to sleep with alcohol. etherat the risk that it will regurgitate the content of its stomach, which would increase the risk of bacterial transmission.