UK mosquito and midge disease risk to be studied with £3.75m
A four-year project will assess emerging threats from insect-borne diseases driven by environmental changes.
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Scientists have secured £3.75 million in funding for a four-year initiative to evaluate the risk of diseases spread by mosquitoes and midges within the United Kingdom. The programme, named PAMEC (Preparing for and mitigating the impacts of environmental change on Dipteran-borne disease in the UK), is led by researchers at the University of Glasgow. This funding comes from UK Research and Innovation as part of a larger £20 million interdisciplinary research fund aimed at addressing epidemic threats.
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Experts have noted that shifts in climate and the environment are facilitating the spread of diseases typically found in tropical regions into northern Europe, including the UK. This expansion poses a growing concern for public health. The PAMEC programme will adopt a "One Health" approach, integrating insights from advanced laboratory work with data gathered from fieldwork conducted by researchers across various UK locations. This combined information will be used to develop new mathematical models for better understanding current and future risks.
Dr. Emilie Pondeville, a lead researcher on the programme from the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, stated that the models will help inform strategies for preparing for emerging vector-borne diseases. The project builds upon the findings of the earlier Mosquito Scotland project, which focused on risks within Scotland. Collaborators on PAMEC include the UK Health Security Agency, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and SRUC.
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The potential for increased disease transmission is underscored by recent events. Last month, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a known carrier of viruses such as dengue in tropical areas, was identified in east London. Furthermore, the UK has experienced outbreaks of midge-borne diseases in the past, including blue tongue and Schmallenberg virus. The Mosquito Scotland project previously supported the Scottish Government's response to the detection of Usutu virus, which has been associated with a decrease in blackbird populations.
Professor Heather Ferguson, professor of medical entomology and infectious disease ecology at the University of Glasgow and a programme lead, expressed enthusiasm for continuing the assessment of vector-borne disease risks in the UK. She highlighted the foundational work of the Mosquito Scotland project and the support received from partners, collaborators, and the public.
Professor Dominic Mellor, a consultant in veterinary public health at Public Health Scotland, commented on the importance of strengthening understanding, surveillance, and preparedness due to increasing environmental changes. He stated that Public Health Scotland is pleased to contribute to the PAMEC project's efforts to enhance the identification, assessment, and communication of emerging vector-borne threats to safeguard public health.
Questions this report answers
+What is the PAMEC project?
PAMEC is a four-year, £3.75 million project led by the University of Glasgow. It aims to assess the risk of mosquito and midge-borne diseases in the UK by using lab and field data to model future threats, driven by environmental changes.
+Why is this research needed in the UK?
Changes in climate and the environment are causing diseases traditionally found in warmer climates to expand into northern Europe, including the UK. Recent detections of disease-carrying mosquitoes in east London highlight this growing concern.
+Who is involved in the PAMEC project?
The project is led by researchers at the University of Glasgow and involves collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and SRUC. Public Health Scotland is also participating.
+What specific diseases are being looked at?
The project focuses on diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and midges. While not exhaustive, past UK outbreaks of midge-borne diseases like blue tongue and Schmallenberg have occurred, and the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can transmit dengue, was recently found in east London.
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