WOAH Regional Seminar on Vector-Borne Diseases in Europe fosters unified regional strategy

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Regional Representation for Europe, in collaboration with the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (Italy) and its International Centre for Veterinary Training and Information, recently organized a regional seminar on “Vector-borne Diseases in the European Region.” The seminar, held from June 25-27, 2025, and funded by the European Union, aimed to enhance and harmonize prevention and control measures for these diseases across the European region, moving from fragmented national responses to a unified and proactive One Health approach. 

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) pose a significant and growing threat to animal and human health, driven by factors such as climate change, international travel, and global trade. The event brought together approximately 100 participants from over 40 countries, including high-level representatives and experts from partner organizations like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Country-Specific Insights and Recommendations 

Experts from countries across Europe and beyond shared diverse experiences and strategies, providing a rich overview of current practices. The seminar reinforced that while VBDs present a growing challenge, a multi-faceted and collaborative strategy is the most effective path forward. The key takeaways and recommendations include: 

• Strengthening Surveillance: Invest in robust, harmonized surveillance systems and promote the development of interactive tools that support at-risk surveillance and rapid response. This includes enforcing the use of technologies like WOAH’s WAHIS to enhance early detection and data-driven decision-making. 

• Prioritizing One Health: Promote inter-sectoral collaboration and enforce efforts to share standardized data among sectors at national and international levels. This will ensure a cohesive response and support the development of fit-for-purpose control measures. 

• Fostering Collaboration: Expand cross-border and regional networks, such as the Mediterranean Animal Health Network (REMESA), to facilitate information exchange and coordinated actions. This includes encouraging the sharing of national plans, protocols, and web tools to prevent the duplication of efforts. 

• Investing in Expertise and Research: Address the shortage of specialized experts through dedicated training and capacity-building programs, with a focus on entomology and diagnostics. Furthermore, promote the establishment of antigen banks and repositories to allow for prompter vaccine production and coordinate research to address key knowledge gaps. 

• Promoting Vaccination: Encourage vaccination as a crucial and effective long-term control measure. This includes supporting the development of agile, multivalent vaccines and ensuring their availability and accessibility to member countries. 

Additional reading

1. S. Babo Martins* & J. Rushton. Cost-effectiveness analysis: adding value to assessment of animal health, welfare and production. Rev. sci. tech. Off. int. Epiz., 2014, 33 (3), 681-689.
2. A guide – Introduction to the use of Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Animal Health by Jonathan Rushton, Will Gilbert and Derrick Jones with Sara Babo Martins and Jan Hinrichs. 15th August 2018 (www.gf-tads.org/fileadmin/user_upload/gf-tads/docs/document_about/Global/CEA_Guide_Aug_2018.pdf).
3. Article by Dr Budimir Plavsic: Vector-Borne Diseases in Europe and Neighboring Regions: An Analysis of Animal Health, Zoonotic Threats, and Integrated Responses (April, 2025).

Please find the presentations and other documents below.