STAR IDAZ - Executive Summary of Priority Research Needs for Vector Transmission Control

1 Executive Summary of Priority Research Needs for Vector Transmission Control November 2024 2 Executive summary of priority research needs - vector transmission control STAR IDAZ IRC is the ‘Global Strategic Alliances for the Coordination of Research on the Major Infectious Diseases of Animals and Zoonoses - International Research Consortium’. It is a global consortium that brings together funders and programme owners for research on animal health to maximise funding for coordinated animal health research. To achieve its aim, STAR IDAZ facilitates networking among funders, researchers, industry experts, policymakers and other stakeholders to collaborate on research and innovation in the field of infectious animal diseases. This document was produced by SIRCAH, the Scientific Secretariat of the STAR IDAZ IRC. Support for the International Research Consortium on Animal Health (SIRCAH2) is funded by the European Union Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101082377 and by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee [grant numbers 10055666 and 10058793] More information on STAR IDAZ IRC can be found at www.star-idaz.net The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the contributors, who are responsible for the contents, and do not necessarily represent the views of the European Commission. Therefore, no statement in this report should be construed as an official position of the European Commission or of any of STAR IDAZ IRC and SIRCAH members. 3 Executive summary of priority research needs - vector transmission control Background and Aim STAR IDAZ IRC is a global initiative to address the coordination of research programmes at an international level in the area of animal health and in particular infectious animal diseases including zoonoses. The STAR IDAZ IRC has developed roadmaps to highlight priority areas for research to improve global coordination of research funding and accelerate the development of improved control methods. The Roadmap for Vector Transmission Control (VTC) focuses on controlling vector-borne diseases in domestic animals, addressing critical gaps through innovative and targeted research strategies. Objectives and focus The control of vector transmission was identified by STAR IDAZ IRC partners as a priority issue for collaborative research efforts. A working group of experts was convened through several workshops held between 2020 and 2023 to identify research priorities and develop the research roadmap. The roadmap is generic and therefore is widely applicable to different species of vector. The VTC research roadmap is structured around three core approaches targeting specific aspects of vector control and transmission reduction. These are: ● Vector-host interactions: strategies to control vector populations and disease transmission by targeting the host ● Vector biology: direct interventions to disrupt vectors' ability to transmit pathogens ● Vector environment: modifications of the vector’s habitat to reduce populations and their impact. Each approach includes interconnecting nodes or leads, ultimately leading to action points aimed at controlling or reducing vector populations and their ability to transmit diseases. 4 Executive summary of priority research needs - vector transmission control Summary of Research priorities Research priority Objective Key challenges Proposed solutions Vector-Host Interactions Enhance host resistance to vectors and reduce pathogen transmission Understanding host resistance mechanisms, innate immunity, and behavioural factors Breed or genetically modify animals for resistance; develop effective vaccines and behavioural interventions Vector Biology Target vectors directly to disrupt pathogen transmission and reduce vector competence and population size Identifying effective antigens, addressing acaricide resistance, and understanding vectorpathogen dynamics Develop vaccines, use genetic engineering, RNA interference, and enhance vector immunity Vector Environment Alter vector habitats to reduce populations in husbandry zones Addressing socio-economic impacts, climate change effects, and ecological impacts of interventions Habitat management, agro-silvopastoral systems, and push-pull strategies Host AntiVector Resistance Use genetic or acquired traits to resist vector infestation Identifying genetic markers for resistance, innate immune responses, and phenotype variability Breed resistant hosts, develop vaccines targeting specific vectors 5 Executive summary of priority research needs - vector transmission control Host Treatments Apply acaricides and insecticides effectively Managing resistance, reducing environmental toxicity, and improving application methods. Rotational acaricide use, long-acting treatments, and field studies on treatment effectiveness. Vector Genetic Control Genetically modify or sterilize vectors to reduce populations Ensuring ecological safety and developing efficient genetic modification methods CRISPR-based sterilization, gene drives, and transgenic mosquitoes Vector Pathogen Control Utilize natural pathogens or predators to control vector populations Identifying safe and effective biological agents, addressing regulatory barriers Use fungi, bacteria, or parasitoids as vectorspecific controls Predictive Modelling Anticipate vector population dynamics and disease risks under environmental changes Data gaps in vector ecology, climate change effects, and socio-economic factors GIS mapping, ecological modelling, and integrated pest management strategies 6 Executive summary of priority research needs - vector transmission control Detailed approaches Vector-host interactions This approach focuses on managing the host to control vector populations or disease transmission. It comprises: • Host anti-vector natural resistance (Lead 2a): exploiting the host’s genetic potential for innate resistance to vector infestation. Genetic modification or selective breeding of certain breeds aims to enhance natural resistance • Host anti-vector vaccination (Lead 2b): developing vaccines targeting vector-specific antigens to elicit immune responses that negatively affect vectors • Host anti-vector treatment (Lead 2c): applying acaricides and insecticides to the host to manage and reduce vector populations, while focusing on preventing resistance through optimized application methods. Vector biology This approach directly targets the vector to disrupt its capacity to transmit pathogens or reproduce. Key nodes include: • Vector immunomodulation of the host (Lead 5): investigating how vectors modulate host immunity and identifying methods to counteract these effects • Vector modulation of the host pathogen (Lead 6): reducing the vector’s ability to harbour or propagate host pathogens • Vector genetic control and sterilization (Lead 10a): implementing genetic modification or sterilization techniques to reduce vector populations • Vector pathogens and predation (Lead 10b): leveraging natural pathogens or predators to decrease vector populations. Vector environment This approach targets the vector’s environment to control its population in husbandry zones. The key focus area is: • Vector biotope control (Lead 12): Studying and managing the vector’s habitat, considering climatic, ecological, and socio-economic factors to alter vector behaviour and reduce its survival. 7 Executive summary of priority research needs - vector transmission control Conclusion The STAR IDAZ IRC, as suggested by the expert working groups, recommends targeted research to address the above research gaps in vector transmission control. By focusing on host-vector interactions, vector biology, and environmental modifications, this roadmap provides a strategic framework to reduce the impact of vector-borne diseases on domestic animals. 8 Executive summary of priority research needs - vector transmission control STAR-IDAZ Global Strategic Alliances for the Coordination of Research on the Major Infectious Diseases of Animals and Zoonoses 36 Partner organisations 23 Countries +$2.5B Research investment www.star-idaz.net 55+ Countries 4 Regional Networks