Vectors

Some arthropods (a family that includes insects and arachnids) such as ticks and mosquitoes can transmit pathogens that cause diseases in animals, plants and/or humans. They acquire the pathogen by feeding on an infected host, before transmitting it to another one. In order to combat the diseases caused by these pathogens, it is essential to know how their vectors live and spread. ANSES provides scientific expertise on vectors and their control. It also conducts research on vectors and vector-borne diseases in its various laboratories. What is a vector, what are vector-borne diseases? How does ANSES contribute to the fight against vector-related risks? Here are the answers to a few questions on the topic.