Nordic Midge-borne Disease Network (NoMiBo Network)

Coordinator: Gebbiena M Bron, Norwegian veterinary Institute,

In our changing environment, nuisance biting insects and the diseases they transmit (vector-borne diseases) are an increasing challenge for grazing animals. This new reality of emerging vector-borne diseases was, most recently, demonstrated by the outbreak of the midge (Culicoides spp.) transmitted Bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3). The midge-borne BTV-3 outbreak led to morbidity and mortality in ruminants in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Now we must acknowledge that disease-causing, midge-borne pathogens are established in the Nordics (i.e. Schmallenberg virus ) and expanding (e.g., BTV-3) in the region.

As these midge-borne diseases cannot be prevented by general preventive measures such as biosecurity, national and international collaboration becomes necessary to detect, respond, prevent and manage these diseases in a holistic and sustainable way. The Nordic Midge-borne Disease network aims to create a community of practice where researchers, authorities and other stakeholders come together and navigate the steps of evidence-based decision making. We aim to accomplish this through: 1. enhancing information sharing across borders and between institutes and stakeholders about midge-borne animal diseases; 2. facilitating shared knowledge development about biting midges and midge-borne animal diseases; 3. developing evidence-based practices for resilient farming practices and prevention measures for midge-borne animal diseases. Core network activities are 3-monthly online meetings, a virtual poster session, and an in-person workshop. 

Healthy livestock are essential to Nordic food security, biodiversity, and farmer livelihoods. The NoMiBo Network aims to strengthen the region’s capacity to prevent, detect, and manage midge-borne diseases by generating and sharing evidence-based knowledge tailored to Nordic environmental, climatic, and production conditions.

The network consists of, and welcomes, researchers of all stages, authorities and decision-makers, focusing on midge-borne diseases in grazing animals. The current network has members from Norway:
• Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI)*
• Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)*
• Animalia
• Mattilsynet

Sweden:
• Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA)*
• Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)*
• Växa
• Gård & Djurhälsan

Denmark:
• Statens Serum Institute (SSI)*
• University of Copenhagen

Finland:
• Ruokavirasto/Finnish Food Authority*
• University of Helsinki

New members from the Nordic region are welcome to join!