Residents of Vitoria-Gasteiz have reported a proliferation of ticks in parks and green spaces, especially among those who walk their dogs daily. Through the citizen mailbox, several individuals have indicated that the situation has worsened in recent weeks, a shared perception across various parts of the city.
“"I walk my dogs and every time we come back I have to remove ticks from them."
Other testimonies point to fields, parks, and promenades around the city, including areas of Salburua, where a notable presence of these parasites is described in vegetated zones. Citizens are calling for greater control in highly frequented urban spaces, which are used daily by both families and dog owners.
However, the Official College of Veterinarians of Álava has downplayed the alarm, explaining that the proliferation of ticks is a common occurrence at this time of year. They indicate that no significant increase has been detected compared to previous years. Nevertheless, they remind the public that ticks can transmit diseases, making it a "serious matter." For animals, they highlight the existence of effective prevention and treatment methods.
In Euskadi, the most common tick species is Ixodes ricinus, an ectoparasite found in forests and mountain areas that can affect domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. Experts remind that dogs are particularly vulnerable during walks, as these parasites are usually found in areas of tall grass or scrub. Therefore, they recommend checking animals after each outing.
Prevention is crucial, and having appropriate antiparasitic treatment helps reduce the risk. If a tick is detected, it should be removed as soon as possible and with care. Around twenty tick species have been identified in Euskadi. Although an increase in their presence is perceived, there is no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a generalized increase in their population.
The health risk is related to the transmission of diseases such as Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. In these cases, the time the tick remains attached to the skin is key for transmission. It takes between 36 and 48 hours for the infected parasite to transmit the disease to a person. This pathology is more common in central and northern European countries. In Euskadi, only a small percentage of ticks carry this bacterium.
