Tick and data collection
Ticks were collected from April-December 2021 within the tick monitoring
project https://www.kullancsfigyelo.hu, a citizen-science project
aimed at monitoring the emergence and possible establishment ofHyalomma ticks in Hungary. We were asking participants through
the self-made website to look for unusual hard ticks on themselves,
their pets and their livestock. We called attention to specimens larger
than usual with visible stripes on their legs and with apparently quick
movement. To enhance visibility, the project was intensively
communicated in local and national on-line media outlets, local and
national television and radio channels and social media platforms.
Ticks were reported either by high-quality images sent by e-mail or
physically delivered to the Institute of Evolution, Centre for
Ecological Research, personally or by mail. Information about safe
removal, storage and postage of tick specimens was provided on the
project website.