干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

A vectorial system is composed of three elements : the pathogen, its arthropod vector(s), its vertebrate host(s). The relationships between these three components are complex. Moreover, in nature, environmental factors will act on those systems according to modalities which vary in time and space. As the environment is perpetually changing, primarily as a result of human activities, the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases is also evolving. So, how to assess the infectious risks, how to imagine preventive measures ? These questions far exceed the competence of medical and/or veterinary physicians and call for a thorough collaboration of specialists leading to a true ecological approach of epidemiology. To this end, teaching and training of specialists in deserted fields like entomology, systematics and ecology must be improved.