This webpage provides information on the activities of the European Reference Laboratory Vector-borne Viral Pathogens (EURL-PH-VBV).
November 2025: Two twinning visits hosted by University of Padova
The University of Padova hosted two twinning visits at its Microbiology and Virology Unit, welcoming participants from Poland and Cyprus. Over four days, attendees received hands-on training in virus isolation, culture, titration, and neutralization assays like microneutralization and plaque reduction neutralisation tests. Guided by experts, the programme combined practical lab work and theory. The twinning visits offered participants valuable experience in cutting-edge virological diagnostic methods.
November 2025: Training on Aedes-borne borne viruses and associated diseases hosted by University of Thessaloniki
The EURL-PH-VBV organised a three-day training on Aedes-borne borne viruses and associated diseases at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Eighteen participants from 12 EU (European Union )/EEA countries attended sessions on vector epidemiology and control, disease epidemiology, diagnostics, and surveillance and control of viruses such as dengue and chikungunya, which are increasingly reported in Europe. The training included interactive case discussions led by experts from across Europe, supporting preparedness against emerging vector-borne diseases.
21 - 23 October 2025: Annual Meeting European Emerging and Vector-borne Diseases Network
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) hosted the 11th annual meeting of the European Emerging and Vector-borne Diseases Network (EVD-Net) in Stockholm. There were joined sessions with country representatives from the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Preparedness (PREP), established by the Health Security Committee (HSC). These sessions aimed to bring together technical experts and decision-makers to assess and address specific challenges and requirements for monitoring, preparing for, and responding to emerging and vector-borne diseases. Chantal Reusken represented both the Netherlands and the EURL-PH-VBV at the event. During her presentation, she shared experiences on the establishment of the EURL and key activities in the first year of operation such as the face-to-face course on Aedes-borne viral diseases in Thessaloniki, Greece.
22-23 May 2025: First meeting European Union Reference Laboratories network
ECDC and Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) hosted a meeting of the newly founded network of European Union Reference Laboratories for Public Health (EURL-PH) in Luxembourg. The network currently comprises the first nine EU Reference Laboratories for Public Health designated by the European Commission in collaboration with ECDC. The European Union Reference Laboratory for Public Health on Vector-borne Viral Pathogens (EURL-PH-VBV), coordinated by RIVM, is one of the first EU Reference Laboratories for Public Health. It has been operational since 1 January, 2025.
EURL-PH-VBV was present at the two-day event, which brought together experts from the European Commission, ECDC, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency, and EURL coordinators to strengthen collaboration, establish coordination practices, and define priorities for laboratory support across the EU. In total, 56 laboratory experts joined forces in this landmark meeting. It was a milestone in the European Union's joint efforts regarding health security preparedness, as the EURL-PH will strengthen EU laboratory capacity and play a key role in anticipating and early detecting communicable disease outbreaks. See also ECDC news item.
15 April 2025: ESCMID Global, Educational session “An Update on arboviruses”
By EURL-PH-VBV joined by Polish Association of Epidemiologists and Infectiologists.
Arboviruses are viruses transmitted by arthropod vectors, like mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies. Due to several factors, including globalisation and climate change, the global incidence of arboviral diseases is increasing dramatically. In addition, novel variants are emerging, and alterations in the virus genome can affect virus transmissibility or pathogenicity. Therefore, there is a need for awareness and rapid diagnosis to implement adequate prevention and vector control measures. This session will provide an update on epidemiology, clinical aspects, diagnostics, phylogeny and prevention of arboviral diseases. Special attention will be given to arboviruses with outbreak potential.
Presentation(s)
- The global epidemiology of arboviral diseases - Chantal Reusken, Netherlands
- Arboviral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes - Luisa Barzon, Italy
- Aboviral diseases transmitted by ticks - Joanna Maria Zajkowska, Poland
- Arboviral diseases transmitted by sandflies - Rémi Charrel, France
28 maart 2024: RIVM European Reference Lab for vector-borne infections
The European Commission (EC) has designated RIVM as the current European Reference Lab (EURL) for vector-borne viral pathogens. These infections are caused by viruses transmitted by vectors such as ticks, mosquitoes, midges and sandflies. Examples include West Nile virus, dengue virus and tick-borne encephalitis virus. Read more