Veterinary Entomologist, Cirad
Thomas Balenghien is a veterinary entomologist at Cirad (ASTRE research unit), formerly based in Morocco (IAV Hassan II, Rabat) . He specialises in the ecology and vector competence of haematophagous arthropods — mainly Culicoides midges and mosquitoes — and their role in transmitting vector-borne diseases of veterinary and public health importance: bluetongue (BTV), Schmallenberg virus, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Rift Valley fever and West Nile virus. He coordinates activities within the VectorNet network (EFSA/ECDC) for mapping vector distributions across Europe and neighbouring regions, and develops modelling tools for vector population dynamics to assess the risk of emergence of vector-borne diseases.