France, Germany, and Switzerland launch joint tiger mosquito initiative

France, Germany, and Switzerland have launched a three-year cross-border initiative called ‘Tiger 2.0’ to combat the proliferation of the tiger mosquito in the Upper Rhine region. Funded by the European Union and Switzerland, the program aims to address the growing public health threat posed by the species, which can transmit viruses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.

The tiger mosquito has expanded significantly due to climate change, having spread to 83 departments in metropolitan France since its arrival in 2004. The ‘Tiger 2.0’ project, led by entomologist Bruno Mathieu from the University of Strasbourg, focuses on public awareness, scientific research participation, and knowledge exchange between the three nations.

To ensure an effective response, the program includes plans for a simulation exercise to evaluate how these countries will cooperate in the event of a viral epidemic outbreak.