Lyme disease

29.6.2018

Question for written answer E-003603-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Liadh Ní Riada (GUE/NGL)

Lyme disease is one of the most common zoonotic diseases in Europe. Due to it being a difficult disease to diagnose, we can only estimate how many people in Europe are infected by it.

The estimated figure of persons infected stands at between 650 000 and 800 000.

Infected ticks and the disease are expanding geographically, with a huge increase in the number of cases even being reported in Ireland. This increase in cases is suspected to be caused by climate change.

Can the Commission comment on whether the rise in the number of persons infected with Lyme disease is an issue of concern?

Does the Commission have any plans to work with Member States, not only to exchange best practices but also to raise awareness of the disease in the form of an education campaign?

Can the Commission comment any further on the actions being taken at a European level to address the rising numbers of people being infected?