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Thinking outside the box: Citizen science to monitor phlebotomine sand flies in Spain

  • 0Flebocollect Medical Entomology Citizen Science Group, Madrid, Spain.
Acta Tropica +

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April 19, 2025

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April 19, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Citizen science projects like Flebocollect engage students to monitor sand flies, disease vectors. This initiative enhances public health surveillance and scientific understanding of vector distribution.

Area Of Science

  • Entomology
  • Public Health
  • Citizen Science

Background

  • Sand flies (family Psychodidae, subfamily Phlebotominae) are vectors for Leishmania parasites and Phleboviruses.
  • Understanding sand fly distribution is crucial for assessing disease transmission risk.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To assess the effectiveness of a citizen science initiative (Flebocollect) in monitoring sand fly populations.
  • To evaluate the educational impact of citizen science on participants' scientific attitudes and knowledge.
  • To demonstrate the utility of citizen science for sustainable vector surveillance.

Main Methods

  • High-school students participated in monitoring sand flies across Spain.
  • Collected entomological data was used to create an online, free-access sand fly distribution map.
  • A pre- and post-test methodology was employed to assess the didactic impact on participants.

Main Results

  • The Flebocollect project successfully generated valuable entomological data on sand fly distribution in Spain.
  • The initiative contributed to public health engagement and understanding of disease vector dynamics.
  • Citizen science was confirmed as a viable tool for advancing research and vector surveillance.

Conclusions

  • Citizen science initiatives, like Flebocollect, are effective for vector monitoring and public health engagement.
  • The project highlights the potential for citizen science to support sustainable vector control programs.
  • Replication of such initiatives requires dedicated funding and long-term planning for sustainability.

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