Trend Warming extending the range and season of disease-carrying insects

Summary

In its short-term outlook for animal disease, the report expects further change in the UK climate to widen the range and lengthen the active season of disease-carrying insects. Diseases spread by these insects include livestock infections such as bluetongue and Schmallenberg virus. Pet diseases such as heartworm and zoonoses such as Lyme disease could also be affected. The report explains that the spread of disease depends on the pathogen, susceptible hosts and environmental factors, and that vectors such as insects are one of the main routes of transmission. The report explains that climate change affects wildlife and the ranges of insects that host and carry disease. It also observes that heat stress during high temperatures makes animals more susceptible to disease, while drought increases contact with wildlife because water is scarce.