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GC-INVAMOFECT
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.