Global change and invasive mosquitoes as infectious disease risks in Europe

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Sven Klimpel
• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Plants and Ecosystems
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 243702564

Invasive, non-indigenous species (NIS) are a threat to biodiversity and have repeatedly been recognized as one of the most important factors in the extinction or displacement of native species on a global scale. In addition, they cause significant economic and health damage which, was estimated at 9.6 to 12.7 billion Euros per year for Europe. Under climate change conditions it is assumed that the problems caused by NIS will increase and result in a growing displacement pressure on indigenous species. Above and beyond their ecological impact, invasive mosquitoes are a source of worldwide concern because of their utmost importance as vectors of a wide range of viral and parasitic pathogens affecting both humans and animals. Reflecting the highly divergent state of current knowledge on the global diversity of medically important organisms, key topics in this project include, among others the identification and description of new and emerging pathogens/vectors and their present distributions, the phenotypic and genetic evolution of their dispersal capabilities and climatic tolerance, the investigation of factors for pathogenicity and vectorial abilities, both in laboratory experiments and in the field, and risk assessments and predictive modelling of distributions under global and regional models of climate change.In cooperation with University of Montpellier (IRD), University of Lyon (CNRS) and the University of Veterinary Medicine - Vienna we will work on the high scientific topics. The fundamental and applied research of this project will inform public health planners and the general public on aspects of control, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, parasites and other pathogens that are caused or transmitted by animals.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria, France
• Participating Persons: Dr. Hans-Peter Fuehrer; Professor Dr. Patrick Mavingui