The European Network for Neglected Vectors & Vector-Borne Infections (EurNegVec- COST action TD1303): an example of interdisciplinary collaboration in Public Health

The European Network for Neglected Vectors & Vector-Borne Infections (EurNegVec; http://www.eurnegvec.org/action.html) is an EU COST action (TD1303) which includes 33 participating countries with representatives from 55 Institutions. Participants –researchers from different disciplines: veterinarians, medical doctors, biologists, entomologists, ecologists- are assigned as experts in five Working Groups (WGs), namely WG1: the "One Health" concept in the ecology of vector-borne diseases; WG2: barcoding, molecular diagnosis and next generation sequencing; WG3: geospatial tools in vector research; WG4: phylogenetics and phylogeography of vectors and vector-borne pathogens; WG5: rare and emerging vector-borne pathogens. EurNegVec-TD1303 organizes three type of activities: (i) annual conferences (in connection with WG and Management Committee meetings); (ii) short term Scientific Missions; (iii) Training Schools. Additionally, various materials on vectors and vector-borne diseases and related Public health topics are published. The main objectives of EurNegVecTD1303 are to establish a powerful trans-boundary network across Europe of partner institutions involved in education and research on arthropod-transmitted infectious diseases of man and animals, and to address the growing importance of vector-borne diseases at a time of global change. WGs activities are all integrated under the One Health concept (especially WG1) and reflect the complexity and demands of current high-end research. The research tasks to be addressed are implemented using two approaches: (i) vertical activities, focused on the activities of the WGs 1-4; the vertical research tasks are centered on each WG, through the implementation of concepts and methodologies in research, diagnosis and surveillance of vectors/pathogens/diseases; (2) horizontal events, involving trans-WGs activities and the activity of WG5. Participants have compiled a list of neglected topics related to vectors and zoonotic vector-borne pathogens considered relevant for Europe -flexible and certainly not exhaustive- which includes: Ticks and tick-borne pathogens; Dipterans and dipteran-borne; Fleas and flea-borne pathogens; these topics will be considered by the WGs 1-4 in their vertical tasks.