Xpedite Diagnostics Hosts Webinar on Arboviruses and Zoonoses in Europe’s Overlooked Hotspots as Part of the EU-Funded PREPARE-TID Initiative

Emerging arboviruses and neglected bacterial zoonoses are reshaping Europe’s infectious disease landscape. This PREPARE-TID webinar examined molecular surveillance data on West Nile, Usutu, and avian influenza, alongside zoonotic threats such as brucellosis and Q fever. The session highlights how integrated One Health diagnostics can enable earlier pathogen detection and strengthen outbreak preparedness.


Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases are spreading in Europe’s overlooked hotspots — from West Nile virus and Usutu virus to brucellosis, Q fever, and leptospirosis. In this PREPARE-TID webinar, leading experts highlighted how integrated surveillance and molecular diagnostics can strengthen preparedness against these emerging threats.

How do we uncover hidden transmission chains before they erupt into outbreaks? This session examined the rise of arboviruses and bacterial zoonoses in Southeastern and Central Europe, and the diagnostic approaches that make early detection possible.

The webinar, titled “Under the Radar: Tracking the Rise of Arboviruses and Bacterial Zoonoses in Europe’s Overlooked Hotspots”, was hosted by Xpedite Diagnostics as part of the EU-funded PREPARE-TID consortium series.

Featured speakers included:

  • Dr. Tamaš Petrović, Head of Virology, Veterinary Institute of Novi Sad

  • Dr. Sara Savić, Head of Immunology, Serology and Biochemistry, Veterinary Institute of Novi Sad

Dr. Petrović shared more than a decade of data on arbovirus surveillance in Serbia, charting the spread of West Nile and Usutu lineage 2 across Europe. He outlined host–vector transmission cycles, outbreak dynamics, and molecular challenges such as detecting low-viremia infections. He also discussed avian influenza’s changing epidemiology, including evidence of mammalian spillover.

Dr. Savić presented on neglected bacterial and parasitic zoonoses, emphasizing how under-reporting and backyard farming practices sustain circulation of brucellosis, Q fever, leptospirosis, and leishmaniasis. She underscored the need for routine molecular diagnostics and One Health data integration.

The live Q&A explored genomic sequencing for outbreak tracking, multiplex testing strategies, and the impact of climate-driven changes in vector distribution.

  • Watch the full webinar recording (here)
  • To request slides or explore collaboration opportunities, contact us (here)
  • Follow Xpedite Diagnostics on LinkedIn or subscribe to our mailing list for updates on the PREPARE-TID webinar series
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