From science to streets: IDAlert engages citizens at the Barcelona Science Festival
On 18 and 19 April 2026, the IDAlert project participated in the Barcelona Science Festival, engaging visitors through interactive awareness
New publication: A pan-European assessment of multi-sector drivers of human hantavirus risk: climate, biodiversity, and socio-economic factors as key determinants
We are pleased to share a new publication from the IDAlert team examining the drivers of human hantavirus infection across
How can a decision support tool help climate practitioners navigate the complex intersection of climate policy and infectious disease risk?
Last month, the IDAlert Work Package 2 team hosted a collaborative workshop with European climate policymakers to co-design a "disease-smart"
IDAlert project enters final phase with General Assembly in Venice
On 24–25 March 2026, partners of the IDAlert project met in Venice for the project’s fourth General Assembly, hosted by
Campaign on the rise of tick‑borne disease to launch across Europe
Across Europe, there’s a growing sense of vigilance under the forest canopy. It can be felt across grassy fields and
We made a cartoon book about infectious diseases. Here’s why.
Climate change isn't just about rising or receding seas and extreme weather. It's also changing which diseases can reach us
Developing a Collaborative Community of Practice in Tick Citizen Science
Upon the success of our first Tick Citizen Science online workshop earlier this year, IDAlert facilitated a highly anticipated second Tick Citizen Science Workshop on the 12th November 2025.
Emergence and spread of Hyalomma ticks and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Europe: a systematic review
Mohammed Masud Parvage et al.
Parasites Vectors 18, 436 (2025)
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe, often fatal zoonotic disease caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV). It is primarily transmitted by Hyalomma ticks, which serve as both reservoir and vector. While these ticks are endemic to Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe, recent detections in previously unaffected European regions raise concerns about the potential spread of the disease. This study aims to systematically review the first detections of Hyalomma ticks, CCHFV, and CCHF disease in Europe. The goal is to support surveillance strategies and enhance preparedness for future outbreaks.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-025-07104-3
Importation of the exotic tick Amblyomma geoemydae into Sweden via illegally introduced turtles (Geoemyda spengleri) from Thailand
Giulio Grandi et al.
Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports 63 (2025)
Illegal importation of animals as pets might be followed by the introduction of exotic tick species, potential vectors of pathogens that can have an impact on wildlife and/or domestic animals and on humans. Therefore, permanent measures of surveillance and control on imported reptiles are emphasized. In February 2024, black-breasted leaf turtles (Geoemyda spengleri) (n = 31) were illegally imported into Sweden from Thailand. The turtles were sent by the Swedish Customs Criminal Department West in Gothenburg to a public aquarium and terrarium (Tropicarium, Kolmården, Östergötland county) to be kept in quarantine. At the Tropicarium the turtles were found to be infested by ticks.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101304
Automated tick classification using deep learning and its associated challenges in citizen science
Anna Omazic et al.
Sci Rep 15, 24942 (2025)
Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis significantly impact public health in Europe, transmitted primarily by endemic tick species. The recent introduction of exotic tick species into northern Europe via migratory birds, imported animals, and travelers highlights the urgent need for rapid detection and accurate species identification. To address this, the Swedish Veterinary Agency launched a citizen science initiative, resulting in the submission of over 15,000 tick images spanning seven species.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-10265-x