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Context and challenges

It is generally accepted that the dynamics of vectors and vector-borne diseases are broadly impacted by climate change, without describing the mechanisms involved and focusing on temperature normals. However, the effect of climate change on vector dynamics is more complex, as these depend on numerous environmental factors. Futuratick will embrace the complexity of vector-borne diseases in the context of climate change, by integrating the effects of temperature and relative humidity as well as the role of hosts into its research, in order to better understand the effects of climate change on the population dynamics of two emblematic vector tick species in France (Ixodes ricinus and Hyalomma marginatum). Futuratick will then communicate the results of this work to public stakeholders in order to co-develop climate change adaptation strategies that take into account the associated 'tick-risk'.

Goals

To improve existing models of tick abundance under climate change conditions, Futuratick will seek to increase current knowledge of:

• the dynamics of ticks by integrating hosts – themselves subject to climate change – which are both feeders for ticks and pathogen reservoirs;
• the spatial evolution of the different areas that are favourable or unfavourable to these tick species under the effect of climate change, and their revegetation and reforestation.

The aim of this new knowledge is to help public stakeholders and local users to understand and take ownership of these changes, so that they may work together to develop strategies for adapting to tick-related hazards, in order to minimise the health risks associated with the presence of these ticks in a changing climatic and environmental system (biodiversity erosion, but also the implementation of climate change mitigation strategies such as reforestation).

INRAE units involved

• EPIA – Lyon
• ASTRE - Montpellier
• CEFS – Toulouse
• LISIS – Marne-la-Vallée

Partenaire extérieur : CIRAD