Ticks and TBE – what hunters should know

For most hunters, nature is a place of freedom and escape. Long days in the forest, early mornings in the marshlands, and hours spent stalking or sitting in a hunting stand are closely connected with outdoor life and hunting experiences. But as ticks continue to spread across Denmark and the rest of Europe, more attention has also been placed on the diseases these small parasites can carry.

One of the diseases receiving increasing attention among hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers is TBE, also known as Tick-Borne Encephalitis.

For many Danish hunters, the risk at home is still relatively low. However, when traveling to Sweden, Central Europe, or the Baltic countries for hunting trips, the situation can look very different.

Ticks have become part of hunting

Most hunters have experienced it.

After a day in the forest, you discover a tick on your leg, in the groin area, or perhaps on your neck. Often, it is not noticed until several hours later.

Ticks are especially common in:

• tall grass
• dense vegetation
• humid forest areas
• areas with large populations of deer and roe deer

This is exactly why hunters are among the groups most frequently exposed to tick bites.

In Denmark, the castor bean tick is the most common species, and it remains active during much of the year. In the past, ticks were mainly considered a summer problem, but milder winters now mean that the season starts earlier and lasts longer.

For many hunters, ticks have almost become something expected as part of the hunting experience.

What is TBE?

TBE stands for Tick-Borne Encephalitis and is a viral infection transmitted through tick bites.

The disease attacks the central nervous system and, in severe cases, can lead to inflammation of the brain or meningitis.

What makes TBE different is that there is no specific treatment available. While Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, TBE is mainly about prevention.

Good prevention advice for hunters

It is impossible to completely avoid ticks if you spend a lot of time outdoors. However, proper prevention can significantly reduce the risk.

Before the hunt:

• wear long trousers
• tuck trousers into boots or socks
• consider using tick repellent
• wear tight-fitting clothing in dense vegetation

After the hunt

• check your body carefully
• pay special attention to the groin, armpits, and behind the knees
• inspect your dog
• remove ticks quickly
• monitor for symptoms in the following days

Many experienced hunters make tick checks part of their routine after every hunting day.

Should hunters get vaccinated?

This question is becoming increasingly common among hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. We once again recommend contacting your doctor or reviewing the recommendations from your national health authorities.

Nature should still be enjoyed

Even though awareness of ticks and TBE has increased, it does not mean you should avoid nature altogether.

Most tick bites do not lead to disease, and the vast majority of hunting trips are completed without problems. Still, the development across Europe clearly shows that tick-borne diseases are something hunters should be aware of.