European app to monitor ticks engages citizens in research, promoting awareness and prevention of tick-borne diseases.
A European app for tick monitoring will be available soon. Developed under the “PRAGMATICK COST” project, it aims to engage citizens in scientific research. Dr. Anna Wierzbicka from the University of Life Sciences in Poznań is involved in its creation.
Goals and Features
The app will help spread knowledge about tick-borne disease prevention, promote vaccinations, identify risk factors, and compare epidemiological data across regions. Users can report tick sightings, upload photos, and share symptoms after bites. Scientists will verify and analyze this data to create a tick distribution map.
Inspiration from Switzerland
This initiative follows the success of Switzerland’s “Zecke” app. It is part of a broader trend of citizen science, which has gained popularity with internet and smartphone advancements. In Poland, similar efforts include the “national tick collection” project by Prof. Anna Bajer.
Awareness and Prevention
In Poland, ticks are active year-round in various green areas. Tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis are prevalent. Public awareness and preventive measures, such as vaccinations and protective clothing, are essential. Dr. Wierzbicka encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors while taking necessary precautions.