Recent environmental and socio-economic changes have caused the re-emergence of vector-borne diseases (VBDs). Research into VBDs has the potential to improve animal and public health.
Epizootics of bluetongue and Schmallenberg viruses in Europe and of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) outside Africa have demonstrated that viral VBDs have the potential to emerge and spread rapidly at remote distances, and are difficult to control. Therefore, it is paramount to develop a better understanding of the complex relations between vectors, viruses and their hosts.
Further details: Vector borne diseases caused by viruses revisited