Epidemiological models for control of arboviral disease for Europe (ARBONET)

The proposed project will build a multidisciplinary research network able to increase knowledge and understanding of the main epidemiological drivers and transmission mechanisms of three important emerging arboviruses: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and West Nile virus (WNV). Each of these pathogens causes infection and/or disease in livestock (ruminants and/or equines). The major aim of this initiative is to create a multidisciplinary research network combining the expertise of veterinary and human epidemiologists, disease modellers, virologists and arthropod biologists with the following objectives: 1) to perform epidemiological modelling of possible scenarios of CCHFV, RVFV and WNV spread in Europe, evaluating possible risk-based surveillance approaches and outbreak control. The modelling approaches will be assessed for application to a wider range of arthropod-borne diseases to maximise the potential impact of this project, 2) to promote and support epidemiological studies on distribution of viral genetic subpopulations, 3) to increase the actual knowledge of virus-vector and virus-vertebrate host interactions 4) to support dissemination of knowledge on the epidemiology, surveillance and control of these diseases across the affected countries within and outside Europe, by developing e-learning materials. The project will also focus on strengthening potential for research into these and similar livestock and zoonotic pathogens, by promoting excellence of research, training and capacity-building and by increasing visibility and awareness of the diseases in endemic and at-risk areas of Europe.

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