Rising temperatures are driving new species of disease-carrying mosquitoes and ticks toward Denmark, with several already established in neighboring Germany. The Asian tiger mosquito, which can transmit dengue fever — a condition causing flu-like symptoms and, in rare cases, circulatory failure — has reached Germany's Rhine region and is moving north. The cemetery mosquito, a daytime biter described as highly irritating though not dangerous, has been spotted in Germany near the Danish border.
West Nile virus has spread to northern Germany, with horses infected in Denmark, prompting researcher René Bødker to trap mosquitoes across the country for viral testing. The meadow tick, which transmits a blood parasite causing severe canine malaria, has been spotted in Denmark but is not yet widespread, though it already accounts for roughly half of ticks found on dogs in Berlin.
Meanwhile, the oak processionary moth caterpillar has been found across multiple Danish municipalities this summer. Each larva carries roughly 60,000 stinging hairs that can cause severe itching, rashes, and respiratory problems.