The objective of this expert consultation is to define a strategy at EU level to strengthen the capacity of EU Member States for the surveillance, and prevention of tick-borne diseases with special emphasis on Lyme borreliosis and Tick-borne encephalitis.

In this perspective, the objective of the meeting would propose a way to harmonize the case definitions of Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme borreliosis in order to emit a recommendation proposing to add these diseases on the list of notifiable diseases in the EU.

Specific objectives:

• To get an overview of the present situation of Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme borreliosis diseases in the EU
• To be informed about the different EU initiatives regarding tick-borne diseases (past, present)
• To review the different case definitions of Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme borreliosis in the EU and to discuss the best ways for harmonization

It is expected that the consultation will contribute to strengthening EU-wide preparedness by providing Member States with a strategy at the EU level providing knowledge and tools to support decision making.

Based on the outputs of the consultation, ECDC will be able to identify the challenges for strategies and activities to strengthen Tick-borne diseases preparedness and propose recommendations.