by Admin

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

IDAlert at Science Week in Blanes, Spain

IDAlert took part of the Science Week organised by CEAB-CSIC in Blanes, Spain

Why the growth of arboviral diseases necessitates a new generation of global risk maps and future projections

Oliver J. Brady et al.
PLoS Comput Biol 21(4): e1012771

Global risk maps are an important tool for assessing the global threat of mosquito and tick-transmitted arboviral diseases. Public health officials increasingly rely on risk maps to understand the drivers of transmission, forecast spread, identify gaps in surveillance, estimate disease burden, and target and evaluate the impact of interventions.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012771

IDAlert at the 9th SOVE International Congress in Chania, Greece

IDAlert took part in the 9th SOVE International Congress, organized by the Society for Vector Ecology (SOVE) and held in Chania, Greece, from 12–17 October 2025.

IDAlert at Barcelona Pest Control Innovation Forum

On 6 November, IDAlert partners took part in the Barcelona Pest Control Innovation Forum (BPCIF), presenting two innovative tools that demonstrate the project’s contribution to strengthening public health and vector monitoring.

Climate change and pandemics: a call for action

Climate change is expected to impact macroecological processes and adaptive responses of wildlife, thereby increasing cross-species viral transmission and elevating

IDAlert at the Thessaloniki International Fair

Thanks to the collaboration of our partner, icddr,b, the Mosquito Alert app has now been introduced in Bangladesh and adapted for local use in Bangla. This deployment empowers communities in Bangladesh to directly participate in mosquito surveillance and control efforts, contributing to early warning systems and targeted interventions.

Turning mosquito troubles into health protection data: Mosquito Alert App launch in Bangladesh

Thanks to the collaboration of our partner, icddr,b, the Mosquito Alert app has now been introduced in Bangladesh and adapted for local use in Bangla. This deployment empowers communities in Bangladesh to directly participate in mosquito surveillance and control efforts, contributing to early warning systems and targeted interventions.

Discover our climate change and health indicators for kids and teens

In 2023, record-breaking global temperatures highlighted the urgent need for climate action to prevent worsening climate-related health impacts. Europe, warming at twice the global average rate, faces significant health threats and unnecessary loss of life. The Lancet Countdown in Europe, established in 2021, aims to drive rapid health-responsive climate actions. Its 2022 report tracked progress using 33 indicators across five domains.