News – CLIMOS

CLIMOS Final Conference in Vienna Shows the last Results of Sand Fly trappings, Early Warning System, and Toolkits

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.

Sticky Traps For Monitoring sand flies?

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.

Translate stakeholder feedback into actionable policy recommendations that resonate with regulators

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

What do sand flies think about good data management?

There’s a good chance that sand flies don’t give much thought to research ethics or data management. However, the researchers in CLIMOS certainly do.

Georgia Podmore’s journey against leishmaniasis

Travelling abroad to volunteer for wildlife conservation is often an exciting and fulfilling experience. However, for Georgia Podmore, a trip to Costa Rica turned into a long and distressing health battle after she contracted leishmaniasis from sand fly bites.

An Early Warning System could help saving lives

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne infection ranked by the World Health Organization as second most important protozoan parasitic disease after malaria for its morbidity, mortality and global distribution.

In its final year, CLIMOS reduces the gap between science and policy in vector control

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is a sand fly-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum and is widely distributed in temperate and subtropical countries of both the Old and New Worlds

Canine leishmaniasis: importance of the dialogue between vet and dog owner

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is a sand fly-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum and is widely distributed in temperate and subtropical countries of both the Old and New Worlds

A Difficult Journey with Leishmaniasis and Lessons for Dog Companions

Salep was a 6.5-year-old rescue Golden Retriever from Izmir, Turkey, who sadly passed away from leishmaniasis in the UK on 3 September 2024.

Is developing an early warning system (EWS) for sand flies worth the effort?

CLIMOS’ initiative to bring together a large group of scientists and resources from Europe and neighboring countries to develop an early warning system for sand flies well deserves an explanation.

Category: News