Project: Global change and invasive mosquitoes as infectious disease risks in Europe

Invasive, non-indigenous species 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, in a recent report by the EU Commission, was estimated at 9.6 to 12.7 billion € per year for Europe. 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. Understanding current distribution and possible future expansion of invasive and native mosquito species is essential to guide coherent policy vector control in articulation with biodiversity conservation as well as environmental, human and animal health. In addition to insect genome per se, it is now recognized that microbial symbionts constitute a key factor for insect’s adaptation to novel environments. In this context, GC-INVAMOFECT aims to investigate the contribution of the microbiota on the proven capabilities of mosquitoes to rapidly adapt to local environments, and thus to promote their successful invasiveness and to increase the risk for pathogens’ transmission in colonized territories.

Acronym GC-INVAMOFECT
Duration 01/12/2013 - 30/11/2016
Website visit project website
Network BiodivERsA2
Call BiodivERsA Call 2012-2013 on invasive species and biological invasions

Project partner

Number Name Role Country
Goethe University Frankfurt Germany
Institute of Research for Development and University of Montpellier France
National Center for Scientific Research and University of Lyon Coordinator France
National Centre for Scientific Research France
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Austria