WNV is mainly transmitted to birds and mammals, including humans, by mosquitoes of the genus Culex. While many infections are asymptomatic, cases of severe neuroinvasive disease can occur, especially in the elderly and immunocompromised individuals with are no approved vaccines or therapeutic drugs for human use. WNV poses a growing threat to public and veterinary health in Europe, with endemicity establishing in the Berlin and Brandenburg area since 2018.

Climate change is expected to increase the geographical expansion and frequency of WNV outbreaks. Enhanced surveillance can support timely responses of health systems and WNV control. Surveillance and outbreak response systems in Germany would benefit from model-based early warning systems as well as climate change scenario analyses for longterm planning.

Current modelling approaches often lack a holistic lens because of gaps in data or limited integration of epidemiological, entomological, and environmental factors. The project aims to create a comprehensive and interdisciplinary modelling approach leading to improved risk assessment, response strategies and targeted interventions.