PhD Defence: Kiki Streng

Promotion time for One Health PACT PhD Kiki Streng! 🦟💧🐦‍⬛

On Wednesday, the 17th of December 2024, Kiki Streng successfully defended her PhD thesis titled: ‘From research to preparedness: A study of zoonotic arboviruses in animals, the Netherlands’ at the Wageningen University & Research.

SCIENCE in 3 – Three key findings from Kiki’s research:

🦟 Science in 1 – Mosquito-borne viruses are an emerging threat. Drivers of emergence, such as changes in climate, land use, travel and trade result in an expansion of geographical range of vectors and virus circulation.

🦟 Science in 2 – The overall objective of this thesis was to provide insight into the epidemiological situation, (response) surveillance options and potential risk of mosquito-borne viruses in animals in the Netherlands, in order to inform future research and surveillance strategies. Seroprevalence studies revealed previously undetected circulation of West Nile virus and Sindbis virus in multiple animal species. An overview of available animal samples for (response) surveillance was created and opportunities and barriers for sharing of these samples were assessed.

🦟 Science in 3 – A mathematical model was used to provide insight into the differences in potential impact of Rift Valley Fever virus in the Netherlands in current and two future scenarios. The thesis highlights the potential approaches for research and surveillance of mosquito-borne viruses in the Netherlands.

Couldn’t attend Kiki’s defence? Watch the recording here.

One Health approach

These PhD projects from the One Health PACT consortium explore the complex interplay between mosquitoes, viruses, ecosystems, and public health. Together, they provide new insights into disease dynamics, environmental drivers, and the neurological impact of mosquito-borne viruses, while also addressing how scientific knowledge can inform preparedness and policy. Collectively, the research exemplifies the power of a One Health approach to tackling emerging infectious diseases.