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VIENNA, Austria (April 29, 2026) Partners of the EU-funded CLIMOS project gathered in Vienna to present the final results that address the growing threat of climate-induced expansion of sand fly populations to northern countries of Europe and the diseases they transmit, such as leishmaniasis and Toscana virus, the consortium highlighted critical field data, an innovative Early Warning System (EWS), and the official launch of the public CLIMOS Toolkit.

Leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania parasites and transmitted through the bite of sand flies affects humans and animals (mainly dogs) in the Mediterranean basin. Climate change has created new ecological niches favourable to the establishment of invasive vector species, including sand flies. Field evidence shows that the geographical distribution of sand flies is changing.

We reached out to Nerea Aizpurua and she provided two examples that she finds useful in practice.