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Long-term Europe-Africa Research Network on neglected arboviral zoonotic diseases (LEARN)

Project


Project code: FLI-INNT-08-Ri-0608
Contract period: 01.09.2018 - 31.08.2021
Purpose of research: Networks and research co-ordination

This project is funded.In the frame of a Long term EU- Africa research and innovation Partnership on food and nutrition security and sustainable Agriculture (LEAP-Agri). In the LEARN project, scientists from Europe and Africa will join forces to improve our preparedness for (re)emerging arboviruses. Considering their impact on human and animal health, the project will focus on neglected arboviruses with zoonotic potential for which diseasesin livestock and wildlife species in Africa have already been reported. These viruses belong to one of three virus groups: The families Togaviridae, Flaviviridae and those belonging to the Order Bunyavirales. We have selected viruses that were already associated with disease in farm animals in Africa, but have nevertheless remained largely neglected. Specifically, from the family Togaviridae we have selected Middelburg virus (MIDV) and Sindbis virus (SINV), shown to be widely distributed in Africa and causing disease in animals and in humans. From the family Flaviviridae we have selected Wesselsbron virus (WESSV) and West Nile virus (WNV), which are neglected in Africa. From the order Bunyavirales we have selected the Shuni and Ngari viruses, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Dugbe virus (DUGV) and RVFV, all African arboviruses with epidemic potential [1-8]. Importantly, all viruses to be studied within the LEARN project have a demonstrated zoonotic potential, making the viruses also of human health concern.

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Subjects

Framework programme

BMEL - research cluster

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