Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease of the central nervous system that is transmitted by ticks. It occurs widely in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as in single areas further north. Not only humans are infected, but also dogs, horses, sheep, goats, and cattle. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal.
The pathogen that causes TBE is the TBE virus. It is transmitted by the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus). The federal states most affected are Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saxony, Hesse, and Thuringia. There, one to four percent of castor bean ticks carry the TBE virus. However, global warming is causing the virus to spread steadily northward. In 2025, for example, the districts of Celle and Elbe-Elster were also designated as risk areas. You can find the latest information from the Robert Koch Institute at https://www.rki.de/DE/Themen/Infektionskrankheiten/Infektionskrankheiten-A-Z/F/FSME/Karte.html.
The TBE virus is transmitted directly during the tick bite and not with a delay as is the case with Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, or ehrlichiosis (see corresponding articles). The probability of infection in animals is relatively low. It is assumed that they frequently come into contact with the TBE virus in infested areas, resulting in natural resistance. However, immunocompromised animals can become seriously ill. Since detection is difficult and TBE is not always considered when neurological symptoms occur, it may be more common than thought.
According to current knowledge, cats are not susceptible to the TBE virus. Cattle, sheep, and goats do not usually become ill, but they can transmit the TBE virus through raw milk.
After an incubation period of one week, symptoms appear for four to eight days. These initially include noticeable apathy, sometimes high fever and balance disorders as well as colic in horses. Depending on which areas of the brain and nervous system are affected, the following may occur:
In severe cases, symptoms may persist permanently.
If your pet has been bitten by a tick in a TBE area and is showing the above symptoms, your veterinarian will make a preliminary diagnosis of TBE after a general examination. Blood tests will then be carried out. To confirm TBE with greater certainty, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (=liquid from the spinal cord and/or brain) must also be taken. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. However, TBE can only be diagnosed with 100% certainty through post-mortem examination.
There is currently no specific medication against the TBE virus. Your veterinarian can only try to alleviate the symptoms and minimize the pain as much as possible. Antiepileptic drugs are given to treat seizures.
In dogs, the prognosis depends on the severity of the disease. Mild forms often have a good prognosis. However, permanent malfunctions, such as paralysis of a limb, can occur. In severe cases, especially with seizures, the prognosis is poor to hopeless. Often, euthanasia is the only option.
When the disease breaks out in horses, it is usually severe and often ends in death or euthanasia.
Since the TBE virus is transmitted immediately when a tick bites, removing ticks early does not offer any protection. To prevent ticks from biting in the first place, year-round tick prevention is recommended for dogs. Various tick repellents and killers are available. You can use collars or spot-on treatments (=medication that is applied to the back of the neck), for example. Some dog breeds may have intolerances. Be sure to discuss with your veterinarian which product is suitable for your dog.
If your dog is at high risk of infection, it is possible to use the TBE vaccine for children to protect your dog. Your veterinarian will advise you individually on this.
Unfortunately, there are no preventive measures for horses, except to avoid tall grass and shady areas when riding. When grazing in TBE areas, there is an unavoidable risk of infection.
Even though it does not prevent TBE infection, you should remove any ticks as quickly as possible, as they can also transmit other pathogens.
To remove the tick correctly and completely, always use tick tweezers or a tick card. Use these to grasp the tick as close to your pet's skin as possible. Pull the tick out slowly without twisting or squeezing it. If the tick is squeezed or stressed by prolonged manipulation, it will release more saliva and pathogens. If the tick's mouthparts or head remain stuck in the skin after removal, this can lead to inflammation or allergic reactions.
Then thoroughly disinfect the bite site and your hands. Dispose of the tick by burning it or wrapping it in paper towels and crushing it. Alternatively, you can simply place it between two strips of adhesive tape. Then dispose of it in the household waste. If you want to know whether the tick is infected with the TBE virus or other pathogens, send it alive in a well-sealed plastic bag by post to a special laboratory.
Observe your pet over the next few weeks for signs such as fever, neck stiffness or perception or movement disorders. If you suspect an infection, consult your veterinarian immediately.
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