Alarm bells ringing: more of the same, and new and novel diseases and pests
In: Emerging pests and vector-borne diseases in EuropeSearch for other papers by Bart G.J. Knols in
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Search for other papers by Willem Takken in
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Global change has increased the interest of politicians and the public alike to seek ways and means to preserve the planet and mitigate a looming human health catastrophe. Europe has experienced, during recent years, the introduction of vector-borne diseases from tropical regions, notably Africa. Although it has been argued that climate change is the key responsible factor for more northerly distributions of vectors, their competence to transmit pathogens, and observed invasions, other drivers, notably travel and trade, and insecticide resistance have also facilitated these processes. Examples are given of recent vector-borne disease outbreaks (Chikungunya in Italy and Bluetongue virus in The Netherlands). It is concluded that increased occurrence of vector-borne diseases in endemic regions and more frequent ‘contact’ with Europe will lead to an increasing number of invasions and disease outbreaks in the foreseeable future.