Information on the presence, distribution and abundance of vectors and vector-borne diseases will be gathered from a network of institutions and research bodies across the EU.

Bringing together the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in a four-year development project, the database will offer valuable information on mosquitoes, ticks and other vectors that transmit disease.

Citing climate change and globalisation as key drivers of new diseases into Europe, EFSA said the project aims to combat disease risk to European citizens and animals.