Ticks threaten health in Romania and Moldova; experts outline prevention steps

Health experts warn that ticks are increasingly found not only in forests but also in gardens, parks and residential yards across Romania and Moldova. The parasites can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and Powassan virus, which may cause severe neurological complications.

To lower the risk, specialists advise regular yard maintenance – trimming grass, removing leaf litter and dense vegetation, and avoiding storage of wood or animal feed that attracts rodents. Personal protection includes using approved repellents, treating clothing with permethrin, and applying targeted insecticide treatments only when necessary and by licensed professionals. These measures aim to protect both people and pets from tick bites and the infections they can carry.