Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are the most common tick-borne diseases in Germany, and they are becoming more relevant. Many infections go unnoticed because they cause mild symptoms or none at all. The MONID HABITRACK project, funded by the BMFTR, led by the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at LMU Klinikum Munich, wants to understand how widespread these pathogens really are and how that may change in the future. Partners include the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Fraunhofer ITMP and the University of Würzburg.
Who can take part?
People aged 5 to 69 (as of 31 December 2026) who live in the districts of Amberg-Sulzbach or Schwandorf and speak sufficient German. Children can join with a parent or guardian.
How it works
Participation is free and happens from home. After registering online, you receive a questionnaire and a test kit by post. You collect a few drops of blood from your fingertip onto filter paper, then send it back at no cost. The sample is tested for antibodies against Borrelia and the TBE virus, so you can find out whether you have already been in contact with these pathogens. Results are available on request after each study round.
Why join?
Your participation supports tick research for your region, helps identify risk areas and improves our understanding of protective measures.
The study runs in three rounds: before the 2027 tick season, after the 2027 season and after the 2028 season. Registration opens at the end of 2026.
Register here: https://www.umfragen-am-klinikum.de/index.php/791467
More information: https://www.habitrack.de/mitmachen
