Abstract
VectorNet is a joint initiative of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The project supports the collection of data on vectors and pathogens in vectors, related to both animal and human health.
ECDC and EFSA maintain a common database on the presence and distribution of vectors and pathogens in vectors in Europe and the Mediterranean basin, through developing a network of experts and organisations from the medical and veterinary domains. The network of medical entomologists and public health professionals, already established during the preceding VBORNET project, is extended to include veterinary entomologists and veterinarians working in the field of vector-borne diseases in Europe and countries surrounding the Mediterranean Basin.
The project provides also ad-hoc scientific advice to support ECDC and EFSA concerning technical questions about vector surveillance and vector-borne diseases in humans and animals. The project performs targeted entomological collections in specific vector habitats to fill knowledge gaps that have been identified through the previous project VBORNET, through analyses of the existing vector databases, and in EFSA scientific opinions.