Rodriguez et al.
Knowledge, habits and attitudes towards TBE and other tick-borne diseases in German forestry trainees.
Tick Tick Borne Dis, in press, doi.org/10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101307
In Germany, the TBE virus predominantly circulates in Southern Germany in the Federal States of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg. A survey has been carried out among forestry workers in two training centers in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. Most trainees were from in-state and were 16-24 years of age. The authors have analyzed knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases in this high-risk occupational group of forestry trainees.
27% of the trainees believed that ticks can transmit only the TBE virus and Borrelia spp., 22% thought that ticks could fall from trees and 43% answered that ticks actively jump onto hosts. 21% thought that TBE can be treated or cured with antibiotics. Body checks as preventive measure against ticks and tick-transmitted pathogens was reported as being performed by 64%, 32% of all participants identified repellents as an effective preventive measure and only 17% wear long sleeves and pants. Only 42% of the participants were sure that there is no protection provided by amber bracelets and necklaces. Overall, 83% of the respondents claimed to be vaccinated against TBE. However, only 77% indicated that they knew about the TBE vaccine. In conclusion, there is room for improvement regarding public health information efforts and it is warranted to tailor specific interventional and/or educational programs to further reduce occupational TBE virus and other tick-borne transmitted infections.