UK Vectors Overview

This portion of the site is meant to brief you on the major vectors in the UK and the diseases they may carry and spread to other animals and even to humans. Start here for a bigger picture view, then feel free to dive into the species pages in curiousity strikes.

While the UK has many vectors (20 species of tick and 36 mosquitoes!), we don't attempt to cover all of them. Instead, our focus is on a smaller set of species that are most relevant for public awareness, bite prevention, and current UK public health surveillance discussions. As species become more relevant to UK public health, we may choose to add them to the site. In essence, species discussed here should in no way be considered an exhaustive list of UK vectors.

Video preview: UKHSA mini documentary on vector-borne disease

Featured mini documentary: the UKHSA's 20-minute overview of vector-borne disease in the UK.

Our most recommended watch! It covers much of the content of this website, complete with interviews from UKHSA experts and insight into field and laboratory surveillance techniques.

Ticks

Our tick section covers the species you are most likely to hear about, how to remove a tick safely, how to prevent bites, and tick-borne infections in the context of the UK environment.

Mosquitoes

Our mosquito pages focus on the UK species to know about, how to reduce bites, and why surveillance for these species still matters, even when public-health risk is low.

A quick definition of an important concept: Zoonosis

Zoonoses (singular: zoonosis, adj: zoonotic) are infections that move from animals to people. This idea underlies all the diseases we cover on this site; these viruses or bacteria move via vectors (ticks or mosquitos) to humans, often with animal intermediate hosts or resevoirs. A reservoir host is one where the disease circulates naturally and occasionally "spills over" to other populations, like us.

Why does this matters for the UK?

In UK settings, pathogens often circulate in wildlife (think birds, mice, deer) and move into people through vector bites. Changes in land use, climate, and even biodiversity can shift where both animals and vectors are found. This in turn affects how, where, and when people are exposed.

  • Habitat change can increase contact between people, wildlife, and vectors.
  • Biodiversity loss may raise pathogen circulation in efficient reservoir hosts.
  • Climate change can expand vector ranges and extend active seasons.
  • Travel and goods trade can introduce vectors and pathogens into new areas.

Learn More