Protocol of the systematic literature review on the vector status of potential vector species of selected vector‐borne pathogens

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) pose significant risks to animal and human health, emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance and mapping to support risk assessments. EFSA-Animal disease profiles were created to visualize the current understanding of main characteristic of important pathogens affecting animal health, including information on the potential vector status of several VBDs. This report updates a previous protocol for a review of the vector status of 36 selected pathogens (Massoels et al., 2023); and adds the protocol for review of the vector status of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. complex. Two systematic literature reviews are conducted, focusing on detection of pathogens in field-collected arthropods and vector competence under laboratory conditions. In addition, the protocol also addresses mechanical transmission of pathogens by arthropods, an often-underestimated route of disease spread. A narrative review will investigate arthropod species that may serve as mechanical vectors of six pathogens: Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV), lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), Trypanosoma evansi (surra), Trypanosoma vivax, and Besnoitia besnoiti (bovine besnoitiosis). Evidence will be collated from experimental transmission studies, field detection, and epidemiological investigations, and classified by type and strength. The integrated results will assess the vector status of arthropod species on a global scale, providing an updated overview of species suspected or confirmed to play a role in disease transmission. A pathogen-vector matrix will be created to support future risk assessments, surveillance strategies, and control measures for vector-borne and mechanically transmitted infections in the EU and neighbouring regions. This work aims to enhance the understanding of vector-borne diseases and inform evidence-based decision-making to mitigate the risks associated with these pathogens. By combining biological and mechanical transmission data, this initiative will provide a comprehensive framework for managing vector-borne diseases and protecting animal and human health.