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The Asian hornet_An invasion of medical importance

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Hi there ¡
I am Xesús Feás : a scientific researcher with a keen interest in the observation of the invasive Vespa velutina  also known as Asian hornet, and investigating methods  for controlling the species.
You can see a summary of my activities in 2017 , as well as other resources with information about me 
Unfortunately, two years ago my funding ceased and I have been unable to continue and progress with my research related to Asian hornet.
Although not frequent, stings of hornets, wasps and bees may be life-threatening. There is a general lack of data regarding the health risks of Vespa velutina stings. Accidents  involving stings are common in Spain and other European countries, and are  reported in the local press .
The above is an issue that I am concerned about, and I have a passion for investigating further. Your support now, can allow me to research and discuss the question of whether the invasive species Vespa velutina, “poses no greater risk to human health than a bee” (See the proposal below).
Your funds are essential to continue the investigation. Each donation will be appreciated, and  your name cited as a sponsor.

You can make this study a reality.
Thanks for your support ¡



Xesús Feás




The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina): an invasion of medical importance.

"The insect world is nature's most astonishing phenomenon”, said the Dutch biologist C.J. Briejer. “Nothing is impossible to it, the most improbable things commonly occur there. One who penetrates deeply into its mysteries is continually breathless with wonder. He knows that anything can happen, and that the completely impossible often does [Rachel Carson, in “Silent Spring”].

The above quote could well synthesize the invasion and success of the Vespa velutina in Europe . Naturally distributed in Southeast Asia, India, and China, the Asian hornet was first detected outside of its native habitat in South Korea in 2003 and France in 2004. The species has subsequently expanded its range and is now present on islands of Japan as of 2012 and on the Japanese western mainland since 2015. It was soon recognized as a pan-European threat after being detected in Spain (2010), Portugal (2011), Belgium (2011), Italy (2012), Germany (2014), and the Netherlands (2018), as well as on islands such as Majorca in the Balearic Islands (2015), England and the Channel Islands (2016).

Historically, beekeepers have been the “eyes and ears” in the early detection of this invasive species, given that the diet of these hornet colonies is based on bees and other insects. The species has become a major threat to beekeeping and pollination 

However, Vespa velutina is not only an issue for beekeepers . Other productive sectors (forestry, fruit growing, and viticulture) as well as human health and social activities in rural areas and cities have been affected to a greater or lesser extent. Although not frequent, stings of hornets, wasps and bees may be life-threatening. Accidents are common and reported in the local press, however there is a general lack of data regarding the health risks of velutina  stings.

The above is an issue that I am concerned about and I have a passion for investigating further.

Your support will do it possible¡

Each donation will be appreciated, and  your name cited as a sponsor.

The overall cost of the present research proposal is quantified in 5.000 €, your funds will be used and distributed as follow:

* 2.000 € to cover hours of dedication to the subject of study (200 hours).

* 2.000 € to cover Article Processing Charges (APC) & English Editing Services and costs of peer review administration and professional production of one research article in PDF and other formats.

* 1.000 € to cover material and other costs (informatic and payment of official data collection taxes).

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Xesús Feás
Organizer
Lugo

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