Dominic D. Smith

23/08/2025

GLOBAL EXPANSION OF INVASIVE TICKS AND EMERGING TICK-BORNE DISEASES

I am pleased to share my latest article: “Invasive Ticks and Emerging Tick-Borne Diseases: Global Drivers and Risks”, published on 23 August 2025. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of how invasive tick species are reshaping the global landscape of infectious diseases.

The article explores multiple ecological drivers, including climate change, globalization, migratory bird patterns, and livestock trade, which facilitate the spread of invasive ticks across continents. It highlights newly introduced tick species, their association with at least 14 emerging or re-emerging pathogens, and the rising incidence of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania.

Through a systematic meta-analysis of 94 peer-reviewed studies (2000–2025), the findings demonstrate that global tick range expansion has increased by nearly 18%, while human cases of TBDs have surged dramatically worldwide. Case studies illustrate the interplay between ecological shifts and public health risks, emphasizing the urgent need for integrated One Health approaches.

The article concludes with a detailed risk analysis and tailored policy recommendations for governments, health agencies, veterinarians, and citizens to mitigate the threats posed by invasive ticks.

Read the full article: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:7b95bac8-87a3-4d64-9aa6-8025e2135a4c

How should policymakers and health authorities balance ecological monitoring with proactive prevention to curb the next wave of tick-borne diseases? Let’s discuss!

18/08/2025

CHEMICAL PESTICIDES-FREE, LOW-IMPUT VITICULTURE: EVIDENCE-BASED STRATEGIES USING NATURAL PESTICIDES, PRECISION AG-TECH AND REGENERATIVE PRACTICES

In this article, I present the latest insights into the use of natural pesticides in viticulture, their impact on soil and ecosystems, and practical strategies for more sustainable cultivation. The research combines data from field trials, scientific literature and case studies of innovative vineyards, focusing on reducing chemical inputs without compromising quality or yield.

The results show that precision agriculture, organic crop protection and regenerative farming practices can reinforce each other and contribute to more resilient, environmentally friendly wine production. This not only benefits biodiversity, but also the long-term profitability of wine businesses.

Read the full article: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:330fad0e-b83d-4d24-b04c-5f296f6ff568

I am curious: Which natural strategies do you think would be most impactful for future-proof viticulture, and why? Let's discuss!

04/08/2025

NATURE-BASED SOLUTION TO MOSQUITO CONTROL

In a new study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, researchers have identified naturally occurring bacteria from the biodiverse ecosystems of Crete that act as highly effective larvicides — without the use of synthetic pesticides.

Conducted by the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology IMBB-FORTH, Greece) in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the study screened 1,663 environmental isolates. Of these, 37 strains produced metabolites capable of killing Culex pipiens larvae within 24–72 hours, achieving full mortality without relying on live bacterial infection.

The discovery paves the way for the development of natural, environmentally friendly biopesticides — urgently needed alternatives to conventional chemical larvicides, which are facing growing resistance and environmental scrutiny. This nature-based approach aligns with global goals for sustainable vector control under the One Health framework.

Read the publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40622165/
DOI: 10.1128/aem.00966-25

Congratulations to Prof. George Dimopoulos, Dr. John Vontas and the international research team for delivering a concrete step toward more ecological and sustainable public health solutions.

31/07/2025

REGENERATIVE TRANSITIONS IN AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND VITICULTURE: QUANTIFYING THE ECOLOGICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CO-BENEFITS OF GOING PESTICIDE-FREE

The global food system faces a convergence of crises: biodiversity loss, climate change, soil degradation and rising health risks linked to agrochemical exposure. In this open-access article, I present a comprehensive scientific analysis of pesticide-free regenerative agriculture (RA) as a systemic solution — not only for environmental restoration but also for socio-economic resilience.

This article integrates:
• A meta-analysis of 73 peer-reviewed studies
• Six international case studies across five climate zones
• Risk and barrier analysis, including yield, labour, certification and input access
• Policy and sector recommendations aligned with CAP, Farm to Fork and SDG targets

Findings show that RA without synthetic pesticides leads to higher soil carbon, improved biodiversity, stable or rising profitability, and lower environmental externalities — particularly in viticulture, horticulture and mixed systems.

The article aims to bridge science, policy and practice. It supports decision-makers, researchers, farmers and civil society actors in advancing sustainable food system transitions grounded in ecological integrity and long-term viability.

Read the full article: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:cf2c9b05-3ab6-4325-9666-d13867f12ef8

What do you see as the most critical enabler — or barrier — to making regenerative agriculture the new standard? Let’s discuss.

25/07/2025

CHRONIC LYME: PART OF A GROWING POST-INFECTIOUS PUZZLE

For years, patients with lingering symptoms after Lyme disease were marginalized. Terms like “chronic Lyme” were met with skepticism. But that’s changing—and fast.

The Wall Street Journal reports a critical shift: leading researchers and clinicians now recognize that Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) belongs to a wider class of Post-Acute Infectious Syndrome (PAIS)—alongside Long COVID, ME/CFS, Q Fever, Sepsis, Legionnaires disease and other tick-borne diseases.

Patients experience disabling symptoms like:
• Cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”)
• PEM (Post-Exertional Malaise)
• Dysautonomia, including POTS
• Persistent fatigue, pain, and immune dysregulation

Research accelerates:
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), The Johns Hopkins University, Tufts University and Yale University are leading clinical trials into Lyme-related PAIS.
• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is funding >$20M in prospective cohort studies, investigating microbiomes, inflammatory markers, and autonomic dysfunction.
• There’s growing recognition that Chronic Lyme is not psychological—but rather a complex, multisystem condition requiring biological validation.

This has major implications for diagnostics, therapeutics and care delivery:
• Digital symptom tracking and biomarker discovery are now essential tools.
• New therapies target immune pathways, persistent inflammation, and neurovascular dysfunction.
• Post-infectious clinics are emerging as multi-disciplinary models for integrated care.

Chronic Lyme is no longer just a “controversy”—it’s a legitimate post-infectious syndrome, part of a broader wave of conditions reshaping how we think about infection, immunity, and long-term recovery.

Read the The Wall Street Journal article: Chronic Lyme Disease Was Once Dismissed. More Doctors Are Coming Around.

Let’s stop debating whether it’s “real.” It’s real. Now is the time to innovate diagnostics, fund clinical care, and listen to patients.

Newer trials are starting to track Lyme patients and investigate potential treatments

24/07/2025

TEKEN MELDEN BIJ DE NVWA

In Nederland komen, naast de schapenteek, nog acht andere tekensoorten voor. Op diverse locaties worden ook vlekkenteken aangetroffen, en incidenteel worden reuzenteken gesignaleerd.

Heb je een vlekkenteek of reuzenteek gevonden? Meld dit dan direct bij de Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit (NVWA).

Op de website van de NVWA vind je uitgebreide informatie over teken: www.nvwa.nl/teek. Hier lees je hoe je vlekkenteken en reuzenteken herkent en hoe je een melding kunt doen.

Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit
www.nvwa.nl

21/07/2025

BESTRIJDINGSMIDDELEN EN HET IMMUUNSYSTEEM: IMMUNOTOXICOLOGISCHE MECHANISMEN EN VERHOOGDE GEVOELIGHEID VOOR INFECTIES

Nieuw wetenschappelijk onderzoek toont aan hoe chemische bestrijdingsmiddelen het immuunsysteem ondermijnen. Op basis van een systematische typologie, risicoanalyse en meta-analyse van 97 studies blijkt dat chronische blootstelling aan stoffen zoals glyfosaat, organofosfaten en neonicotinoïden leidt tot ontregeling van immuunprocessen, verhoogde vatbaarheid voor infecties, en een groter risico op chronische ontstekings- en auto-immuunziekten.

De analyse maakt duidelijk dat pesticiden niet alleen de cellulaire en humorale afweer verzwakken, maar ook oxidatieve stress, hormonale disbalans en epigenetische schade veroorzaken. Vooral kinderen, zwangeren en agrarische beroepsgroepen lopen verhoogd risico. Casestudy’s uit o.a. Nederland, Frankrijk en de VS illustreren hoe deze processen in de praktijk tot ziekte leiden.

Het artikel pleit voor structurele integratie van immunotoxicologische toetsing in toelatingsprocedures, biomonitoring van risicogroepen en stimulering van geïntegreerde gewasbescherming (IPM) en biologische alternatieven. Door toxicologische inzichten te verbinden aan volksgezondheid en beleid, draagt dit werk bij aan een veerkrachtiger gezondheidssysteem.

Lees het artikel: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:33ffac7c-3726-4bfc-bce8-b6eec81c9d85

Moeten immunologische risico’s structureel worden meegenomen in de toelating van pesticiden in Europa en daarbuiten? Discussieer mee!

14/07/2025

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS IN VITICULTURE: ADVANCES, CHALLENGES, AND STRATEGIC INSIGHTS

In this article I explores the current and potential applications of genetic modification in wine production, focusing on urgent challenges such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and the reduction of pesticide use—key concerns for a sector under increasing pressure from climate change and ecological degradation.

Through a meta-analysis of 48 peer-reviewed studies, the article assesses the agronomic, environmental, and economic impacts of GM grapevines. Case studies from France, the United States, and Italy highlight not only the technical feasibility but also the societal and regulatory hurdles that continue to shape the debate.

Findings show that while the technology is scientifically mature, its adoption remains constrained by public perception, market dynamics, and fragmented regulation. Consumer trust and policy frameworks often weigh more heavily than biological performance alone. The article concludes with detailed recommendations for winegrowers, regulators, and consumers, advocating for transparent communication, inclusive policy dialogue, and the responsible integration of emerging tools such as CRISPR.

The full article includes a comprehensive risk assessment and a forward-looking analysis of the strategic implications for the wine industry.

Read the full article: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:cc40cbb1-ec90-4984-ada4-136c51b9b31b

What is your view on the use of GMOs in viticulture, particularly in light of climate resilience and sustainability goals? Let’s discuss.

08/07/2025

NATURAL AND BIOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICAL PESTICIDES IN VITICULTURE: A SYSTEM-BASED APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE PEST MANAGEMENT

Conventional viticulture is among the most pesticide-intensive forms of agriculture, relying heavily on synthetic chemicals such as glyphosate, mancozeb, and pyrethroids. While effective, these substances pose serious environmental and health risks and are increasingly targeted by evolving EU regulations and consumer expectations.

In my article, I provide a comprehensive scientific review of natural and biological alternatives to chemical pesticides in viticulture. The article combines a meta-analysis of 45 field studies with international case studies and risk assessments across ecological, human health, and economic domains. It evaluates biocontrol agents (e.g. Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma spp.), plant-based extracts (e.g. neem oil, chitosan), and mineral inputs (e.g. kaolin, potassium bicarbonate), highlighting both their efficacy and limitations under varying climatic and operational conditions.

The results show that although biological alternatives often require more frequent application and site-specific management, they offer significant reductions in toxicity, residue levels, and environmental burden. The study concludes with targeted recommendations for winegrowers (conventional, organic, biodynamic) and policymakers, proposing transition strategies aligned with the EU Farm to Fork and Green Deal objectives.

Read the full article: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:86091dbf-ccbe-4388-8258-7f6fbf0081e0

How do you see the role of biocontrol and natural inputs in the future of your vineyard or region? Let’s discuss.

03/07/2025

REGENERATIVE VITICULTURE: BUILDING SUSTAINABLE AND CLIMATE-RESILIENT VINEYARDS TROUGH ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION

As climate stress, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss increasingly impact vineyards worldwide, regenerative viticulture offers a promising, science-based response. This comprehensive article explores regenerative viticulture as a holistic agroecological model that goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring vineyard ecosystems.

This article compares regenerative and conventional viticulture in terms of soil health, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, water use, and wine quality. Drawing on peer-reviewed studies, a meta-analysis of 48 international publications, and real-world case studies from the US and Europe (e.g. Tablas Creek, Familia Torres, Jean Leon, Troon Vineyard), it presents compelling evidence for the long-term benefits and challenges of regenerative approaches.

A practical roadmap for transitioning to regenerative viticulture is included, alongside a risk analysis and tailored recommendations for both winegrowers and policymakers.

This article aims to contribute to the academic and professional discourse on ecological viticulture and to support the sector in moving toward resilient and low-impact wine production systems.

Read the full article: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:d501d85f-ea77-4331-8692-3ab35e807506

What do you think is the biggest barrier to scaling regenerative practices in the wine industry? Let’s discuss

01/07/2025

THE USE OF GLYPHOSATE IN VITICULTURE: GLOBAL PATTERNS, RESIDUES, AND RISK ANALYSIS

Glyphosate is the world’s most-used herbicide—and a common tool in global viticulture. Yet its residues are increasingly found in wines, vineyard soils, and even groundwater, raising pressing environmental and health concerns.

In this article “The Use of Glyphosate in Viticulture: Global Patterns, Residues, and Risk Analysis”, I explore where and how glyphosate is used in vineyards, how much residue is found in wine, which countries exceed safety limits, and where groundwater is at risk. The article includes case studies from Argentina, France, and California, a meta-analysis of 57 studies, and a full risk assessment.

The findings reveal a stark contrast: while some countries are banning glyphosate, others see heavy, unmonitored use. Residues have been found in both red and white wines—sometimes in up to 60% of market samples.
Groundwater contamination is no longer rare in major wine regions.

The article ends with targeted policy recommendations—for governments, winegrowers, and consumers—urging a transition to more sustainable and transparent viticulture.

Read the full article: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:4efebd02-4fff-4e2b-a2b4-efdfaf6d397a

Do you think the wine industry can—and should—go glyphosate-free? I invite your views and experiences from across the sector. Let’s discuss.

23/06/2025

EFFECTIVE TICK MANAGEMENT IN THE NETHERLANDS REDUCING LYME DISEASE AND TBEV TROUGH INTEGRATED STRATEGIES

As climate and landscape changes fuel a rise in Ixodes ricinus populations, the Netherlands now faces an alarming increase in both Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). With over 1.5 million tick bites reported annually, an urgent, integrated response is required.

This new article presents a structured synthesis of over 40 studies, identifying the most effective tick control interventions across Europe. Key strategies include habitat modification (e.g. vegetation and litter management), host population control (deer fencing, rodent habitats), and targeted acaricide use, supported by behavioural prevention campaigns. Case studies from Dutch forests and public spaces illustrate how combined approaches outperform single interventions.

Recommendations target multiple implementation levels:
• Municipalities — integrate tick management into greenspace policy
• Forest services — apply ecological zoning and deer exclusion
• Public health authorities — strengthen surveillance and public education
• Policymakers — fund adaptive One Health-based programs

This work contributes to a growing international consensus: effective tick-borne disease prevention must be multisectoral, evidence-based, and ecologically intelligent.

Read the full article: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:43d0f495-edda-4594-9aae-17fb823adb72

How can Dutch municipalities and health agencies better coordinate efforts to reduce tick-borne disease risks? Let’s discuss