In cooperation of five partner institutions, the CuliFo2 project analyzes the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on the occurrence of arboviruses of veterinary and human medical importance in Germany. The scientific concept builds in particular on findings from the CuliMo and CuliFo projects previously funded by the BLE. CuliFo2 investigates the influence of co-infection in mosquitoes and vertebrates for the arboviruses circulating in Germany (West Nile virus and Usutu virus). Furthermore, the influence of insect-specific viruses on these arboviruses is analyzed. Further studies are dedicated to the overwintering and extrinsic incubation period of West Nile virus and the vector competence of native culicids for Sindbis and Batai viruses. The interdisciplinary research approach also includes analysis of the virome of culicids and birds. Modern modeling approaches integrate landscape and habitat factors. Together with epidemiological analyses of surveillance data, they aim to predict possible spreads of mosquito species and mosquito-borne viruses. The interdisciplinary collaborative project, which is scheduled to run for three years, comprises four major work areas. The Ziegler working group is particularly involved in virus-host interactions and in the early warning system in the avian sector (zoo birds and commercial poultry).

Involved INNT scientists:

Dr. Ute Ziegler
Prof. Dr. Martin H. Groschup

Dr. Balal Sadeghi (PostDoc)
Felicitas Bergmann (PhD student)
Hannah Reentsma (PhD student)