Citizen Science Tick Observations Serve as an Early Warning System for Tick‐Borne Diseases

This study revealed that LB cases can be predicted utilising citizen science tick observation data. Consequently, crowdsourced tick observation data can be used to predict when peaks in disease cases are to be expected, allowing for specifically targeted awareness campaigns. This, in turn, may lead to symptoms being detected and recognised earlier, allowing for more rapid treatment and fewer sequelae. Guidance on setting up similar models is provided. Actors with access to such data are encouraged to set up similar early warning systems. This increased utility of the data can be leveraged to justify setting up tick observation services, as well as to motivate citizens to participate.