Barcoding Facility for Organisms and Tissues of Policy Concern

Scientific posters

2024

  • Kratz, F., Cuypers, L., Smitz, N., Vanderheyden, A., Vanden Abeele, S., Breugelmans, K., Segers, B., Ramaekers, K., Geraerts, M., De Meyer, M., Backeljau, T., Verheyen, E., Gryseels, S. 2024. Monitoring the trade in exotic animals through DNA barcoding of passenger-imported wild meat. Empowering Biodiversity Research III, Leiden, the Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11617905
  • Segers, B., Vanderheyden, A., Breugelmans, K., Vanden Abeele, S., Kratz, F., Smitz, N., Backeljau, T., & De Meyer, M. 2024. Belgian species identification service for organisms and tissues of policy concern. Empowering Biodiversity Research III, Leiden, the Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11618483
  • Vanden Abeele, S., Deblauwe, I., Hermy, M.R.G., Vanderheyden, A., Smitz, N., Schneider, A., Vanslembrouck, A., Delbecque, J., Kratz, F., Breugelmans, K., Segers, B., De Meyer, M., Backeljau, T., Müller, R., Rebolledo, J. & Van Bortel, W. 2024. Aedes albopictus’  (Diptera: Culicidae) northward expansion into Belgium. Empowering Biodiversity Research III, Leiden, the Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11618983
  • Vanderheyden, A., Vermeersch, X., Smitz, N., Vanden Abeele, S., Kratz, F., Breugelmans, K., Segers, B., De Meyer, M. & Backeljau, T. 2024. Detection of Four Invasive Crayfish Species in Brussels Waterbodies Using eDNA and qPCR. Empowering Biodiversity Research III, Leiden, the Netherlands.

2023

  • De Meyer, M., Meganck, K., Dermauw, W., Lombal, A. & Witters, J., 2023. Development of surveillance program and identification tools for non-European fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Belgium. Benelux Congress of Zoology 2023, Leiden, the Netherlands.
  • Lombal, A., Dekoninck, W., Smitz, N., Vanderheyden, A., Grootaert, P. & Backeljau, T., 2023. DNA-based species identification of mosquitoes collected with Malaise traps in the botanic garden Jean Massart (Diptera: Culicidae). Benelux Congress of Zoology 2023, Leiden, the Netherlands.
  • Schols, R., Smitz, N., Vanderheyden, A. & Huyse, T., 2023. Swimmer’s itch in Belgium: A first record of Tricholbilharzia regenti. The Danish Society of Parasitiology Symposion, Denmark, Copenhagen.

2022

  • Dimzas, D., Di Cesare, A., Morelli, S., Iorio, R., Backeljau, T., Vanderheyden, A., Lombal, A., De Meyer, M., Meganck, K., Smitz, N., Kassari, N., Traversa, D., Diakou, A. 2022. Metastrongyloid parasites of felines in naturally infected gastropods in Greece. 15th International congress on the Zoogeography and ecology of Greece and adjacent regions. ICZEGAR, Mytilini, Lesvos, Greece.
  • Deblauwe, I., De Wolf, K., Smitz, N., Vanslembrouck, A., Schneider, A., Dekoninck, W., De Meyer, M., Backeljau, T., Müller, R., Van Bortel, W. 2022. Finding the balance between efficiency and budget: preventive invasive mosquito species (IMS) surveillance. ESOVE conference. Sofia, Bulgaria.
  • Smitz, N., Lombal, A., De Wolf, K., Deblauwe, I., Kampen, H., Schaffner, F., De Witte, J., Schneider, A., Verlé, I., Vanslembrouck, A., Dekoninck, W., Meganck, K., Gombeer, S., Vanderheyden, A., De Meyer, M., Backeljau, T., Werner, D., Müller, R., Van Bortel, W. 2022. Population genetic structure of the exotic Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus in Belgium suggests multiple introduction pathways. ESOVE conference. Sofia, Bulgaria.
  • Chomchoei, N., Backeljau, T., Segers, B., Lombal, A., Vanderheyden, A., Wongsawad, C., Butboonchoo, P., Nantarat, N. 2022. Survey of Parasitic Larval Trematodes in the Assassin Snails Anentome helena and A. wykoffi from Thailand. ESOVE conference. Sofia, Bulgaria.
  • Vanderheyden, A., Lombal, A., Smitz, N., Meganck, K., Kassari, N., Dimzas, D., Diakou, A., Di Cesare, A., Traversa, D., De Meyer, M., Backeljau, T. 2022. DNA barcoding and identification of intermediate terrestrial host gastropods of metastrongyloid cat parasites in Greece. ESOVE conference. Sofia, Bulgaria.
  • Vanderheyden, A., Smitz, N., De Wolf, K., Deblauwe, I., Dekoninck, W., Meganck, K., Lombal, A., Vanslembrouck, A., De Witte, J., Schneider, A., Verlé, I., De Meyer, M., Backeljau, T., Müller, R., Van Bortel, W. 2022. DNA identification and diversity of the vector mosquitoes Culex pipiens s.s. and Culex torrentium in Belgium. ESOVE conference. Sofia, Bulgaria.
  • Lombal, A., Meganck, K., Vanderheyden, A., Smitz, N., Backeljau, T., De Meyer, M. 2022. BopCo, a barcoding facility for organisms and tissues of policy concern, and its role in the identification of vector species. ESOVE conference. Sofia, Bulgaria.
  • Dimzas, D., Di Cesare, A., Morelli, S., Iorio, R., Backeljau, T., Vanderheyden, A., Lombal, A., De Meyer, M., Meganck, K., Smitz, N., Kassari, N., Traversa, D., Diakou, A. 2022. Natural intermediate hosts of Angiostrongylus chabaudi in Greece. 7th European Dirofilaria and Angiostrongylus Days. Madrid, Spain.
  • Dimzas, D., Di Cesare, A., Morelli, S., Iorio, R., Backeljau, T., Vanderheyden, A., Lombal, A., De Meyer, M., Meganck, K., Smitz, N., Kassari, N., Traversa, D., Diakou, A. 2022. Metastrongyloid parasites of felines in naturally infected gastropods in Greece. ICZEGAR. Mytilini, Greece.
  • Vanderheyden, A., Lombal, A., Meganck, K., Smitz, N., Backeljau, T. and De Meyer, M. 2022. A Barcoding Facility for Organisms and Tissues of Policy Concern. Benelux Congress of Zoology 2022. Leuven, Belgium.
  • Deblauwe, I., Hermy, M.R.G., Schneider, A., Vanslembrouck, A., Geebelen, L., Smitz, N., De Meyer, M., Vanderheyden, A., Backeljau, T., Müller, R., Lernout, T., Rebolledo, J. and Van Bortel, W. 2022. Multiple detections of Aedes albopictus in Belgium through Citizen Science. Xth EMCA workshop. Mendrisio, Switzerland.
  • Vanderheyden, A., Smitz, N., Deblauwe, I., De Wolf, K., Gombeer, S., Meganck, K., Lombal, A., Schneider, A., De Witte, J., Dekoninck, W., Backeljau, T., De Meyer, M., Müller, R., Rebolledo Gonzalez, J. and Van Bortel, W. 2022. MEMO and MEMO+: Identification of introduction pathways and surveillance of exotic Aedes mosquito species in Belgium. International Conference on DNA Barcoding and Biodiversity. Sofia, Bulgaria. PDF
  • Meganck, K.,Gombeer, S., Vanderheyden, A., Smitz, N., Lombal, A., Backeljau, T. and De Meyer, M. 2022. The Belgian Barcoding facililty for organisms and tissues of policy concern. International Conference on DNA Barcoding and Biodiversity. Sofia, Bulgaria. PDF
  • Deblauwe, I., De Wolf, K., Schneider, A., De Witte, J., Vanslembrouck, A., Dekoninck, W., Smitz, N., De Meyer, M., Backeljau, T., Müller, R., Van Bortel, W. 2022. From a long-distance threat to the invasion front: a review of the invasive Aedes mosquito species in Belgium between 2007 and 2020. 5th international workshop on Aedes albopictus. Montpellier, France.
  • Gombeer, S.,  Meganck, K.,  Vanderheyden, A.,  Smitz, N.,  Pauwels, O.,  Brecko, J.,  De Meyer, M. & Backeljau, T. 2022. Detecting Xenopus laevis in Belgium using eDNA and qPCR. 22nd International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species. Ostend, Belgium. PDF
  • Aydin, M.,  Biltekin, D.,  Breugelmans, K.,  Vanderheyden, A.,  Gombeer, S.,  Meganck, K.,  Smitz, N. & Backeljau, T. 2022. First record and DNA identification of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793), in the southern Black Sea. 22nd International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species. Ostend, Belgium. PDF

2021

  • Gombeer, S., Vanderheyden, A., Meganck, K., Smitz, N., Backeljau, T., De Meyer, M., 2021. A Barcoding Facility for Organisms and Tissues of Policy Concern. LifeWatch Biodiversity Day. Ghent, Belgium. PDF
  • Vanderheyden, A., Smitz, N., Deblauwe, I., De Wolf, K., Gombeer, S., Meganck, K., Schneider, A., De Witte, J., Vanslembrouck, A., Dekoninck, W., Backeljau, T., De Meyer, M., Müller, R. & Van Bortel, W., 2021. A DNA-based pipeline for species-level identification of Belgian mosquitoes. Xth International EMCA Conference. Vienna. Austria. PDF
  • Deblauwe, I.,  De Wolf, K.,  Schneider, A.,  De Witte, J.,  Vanslembrouck, A.,  Smitz, N.,  Meganck, K.,  Dekoninck, W.,  D’Hondt, B.,  Pardon, N.,  Kurucz, K.,  Müller, R. & Van Bortel, W. 2021. Aedes koreicus in Belgium: to spread or not to spread?. Xth International EMCA Conference. Vienna, Austria. PDF
  • Vanderheyden, A., Smitz, N.,  Deblauwe, I.,  De Wolf, K.,  Gombeer, S.,  Meganck, K.,  Schneider, A.,  De Witte, J.,  Vanslembrouck, A.,  Dekoninck, W.,  Backeljau, T.,  De Meyer, M.,  Müller, R. & Van Bortel, W. 2021. COI haplotype diversity in three exotic Aedes species in Belgium. Xth International EMCA Conference. Vienna. Austria. PDF
  • Smitz, N., De Wolf, K., Deblauwe, I., Kampen, H., Schaffner, F., De Witte, A., Schneider. A, Verlé, A., Vanslembrouck, A., Dekoninck, W., Meganck, K., Gombeer, S., Vanderheyden, A., De Meyer, M., Backeljau, T., Werner, D., Müller, R. & Van Bortel, W., 2021. Population genetic structure of Aedes japonicus in Belgium suggests multiple introductions. Xth International EMCA Conference. Vienna, Austria. PDF

2019

  • Smitz, N.,  De Wolf, K.,  Deblauwe, I.,  Verlé, I.,  Schneider, A.,  Vanslembrouck, A.,  De Witte, J.,  Dekoninck, W.,  Meganck, K.,  Gombeer, S.,  Vanderheyden, A.,  De Meyer, M.,  Backeljau, T. & Van Bortel, W. 2019. Molecular validation of native and invasive mosquito species in Belgium. Zoology 2019, 27-29 November 2019, Groningen, The Netherlands. PDF
  • Smitz, N.,  De Wolf, K.,  Deblauwe, I.,  Verlé, I.,  Schneider, A.,  Vanslembrouck, A.,  De Witte, J.,  Dekoninck, W.,  Meganck, K.,  Gombeer, S.,  Vanderheyden, A.,  De Meyer, M.,  Backeljau, T. & Van Bortel, W. 2019. New Culicidae species records for Belgium validated using DNA-based techniques. Zoology 2019, 27-29 November 2019, Groningen, The Netherlands. PDF
  • Smitz, N., Cochez, C., Wilmaerts, L., Gombeer, S., Meganck, K., Van Bourgonie,YR., Backeljau, T. & De Meyer, M. Identification of disease vectors from foreign deployment sites of the Belgian armed forces using DNA-based technologies. 8th International Barcode of Life Conference, 17–20 June 2019. Trondheim, Norway. PDF
  • Van Bourgonie,YR., Lange, M., Penagos-Tabares, F., Hirzmann, J., Failing, K., Schaper, R., Dimzas, D., Diakou, A., Hermosilla, C., Taubert, A., Di Cesare, A., Morelli, S., Gombeer, S., Smitz, N., Meganck, K., De Meyer, M. & Backeljau, T. DNA barcoding and identification of intermediate slug hosts in the framework of an epidemiological survey in Germany. 8th International Barcode of Life Conference, 17–20 June 2019. Trondheim, Norway. PDF
  • Gombeer, S., Breugelmans, K., Meganck, K., Smitz, N., Van Bourgonie,YR., De Meyer, M. & Backeljau, T. Seafood on the Belgian market: do you get what you are paying for?. 8th International Barcode of Life Conference, 17–20 June 2019. Trondheim, Norway. PDF
  • Gombeer, S., Musaba, P., Nebesse, C., Ngoy, S., Peeters, M., Van Bourgonie,YR., Meganck, K., Smitz, N., Backeljau, T., De Meyer, M. & Verheyen, E. African Bushmeat in Brussels: high prices and high levels of misidentification. 8th International Barcode of Life Conference, 17–20 June 2019. Trondheim, Norway. PDF

2018

  • Meganck, K., Smitz, N., Gombeer, S., Van Bourgonie, YR., Backeljau, T. & De Meyer, M. Identifying Invasive Alien Species by DNA-barcoding: possibilities, gaps and pitfalls. 25th Zoology Congress, 14-15 December 2018, Antwerp, Belgium. PDF
  • Smitz, N., De Wolf, K., Deblauwe, I., Verlé, I., Schneider, A., Vanslembrouck, A., De Witte, J., Dekoninck, W., Meganck, K., Gombeer, S., Van Bourgonie, YR., De Meyer, M., Backeljau, T. & Van Bortel, W. DNA-barcoding: an efficient tool for rapid identification of native and exotic mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) intercepted in Belgium. 25th Zoology Congress, 14-15 December 2018, Antwerp, Belgium. PDF
  • Smitz, N., Cochez, C., Wilmaerts, L., Gombeer, S., Backeljau, T. & De Meyer, M. Identifying mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from foreign deployment sites of the Belgian armed forces. 25th Zoology Congress, 14-15 December 2018, Antwerp, Belgium. PDF
  • Van Bourgonie Y.R., Dimzas D., Diakou A., Di Cesare A., Traversa D., De Meyer M. & Backeljau T. DNA barcoding and identification of gastropods of parasitological concern for animals in Greece. 25th Zoology Congress, 14-15 December 2018, Antwerp, Belgium. PDF
  • Gombeer, S., Backeljau, T., De Meyer, M., Musaba, P., Nebesse, C., Ngoy, S. & Verheyen, E. Bushmeat for sale in Brussels. 25th Zoology Congress, 14-15 December 2018, Antwerp, Belgium and 18th Meeting of Partners of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership, 27-28 November 2018, Tervuren, Belgium. PDF
  • Meganck, K., Smitz, N., De Wolf, K., Deblauwe, I., Verlé, I., Schneider, A., Vanslembrouck, A., De Witte, J., Dekoninck, W., Gombeer, S., Van Bourgonie, YR., De Meyer, M., Backeljau, T. & Van Bortel, W. Identification and confirmation of native and invasive mosquito species in Belgium by DNA-barcoding. Insects and Nature Management Symposium, 7 December 2018, Brussels, Belgium. PDF
  • Deblauwe, I., De Wolf, K., Smitz, N., Verlé, I., Schneider, A., De Witte, J., Vanslembrouck, A., Dekoninck, W., Meganck, K., Gombeer, S., Van Bourgonie, YR., Backeljau, T., De Meyer, M., Van Bortel, W. & Pollet, M. Belgium on the lookout for exotic mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae). 9th International congress of Dipterology, 25-30 November 2018, Windhoek, Namibia.
  • Deblauwe, I., De Wolf, K., Verlé, I., Schneider, A., Vanslembrouck, A., De Witte, J., Dekoninck, W., Smitz, N., De Meyer, M., Backeljau, T., Coosemans, M. & Van Bortel, W. Monitoring exotic mosquito species in Belgium: an overview from 2007 – 2018. 21st European Society for Vector Ecology (ESOVE) conference, 22-26 October 2018, Palermo, Italy.
  • Vanslembrouck, A., De Wolf, K., Deblauwe, I., Verlé, I., Schneider, A., De Witte, J., Smitz, N., De Meyer, M., Van Bortel, W., Backeljau, T. & Dekoninck, W. Constructing a morphological reference collection of native and exotic mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) species in Belgium. 21st European Society for Vector Ecology (ESOVE) conference, 22-26 October 2018, Palermo, Italy.
  • De Wolf, K., Smitz, N., Deblauwe, I., Vanslembrouck, A., Meganck, K., Gombeer, S., Van Bourgonie, YR., Verlé, I., Schneider, A., De Witte, J., Dekoninck, W., Backeljau, T., De Meyer, M. & Van Bortel, W. The state of the art of the exotic mosquito species in Belgium: new invasion pathways detected. 21st European Society for Vector Ecology (ESOVE) conference, 22-26 October 2018, Palermo, Italy.

2017

  • Gombeer, S., Meganck, K., Van Bourgonie, Y.R., Smitz, N., De Meyer, M. & Backeljau, T. Aliens in Europe. 7th International Barcode Of Life Conference, 20-24 November 2017, Kruger National Park, South Africa. PDF
  • Meganck, K., Ebejer, M., Kirk-Spriggs, AH., Kvifte, G., Couri, M., Rognes, K., Whitmore, D., Virgilio, M., Gombeer, S., Backeljau, T., De Meyer, M. & Jordaens, K. A first, local DNA barcode reference database of the forensically important flies (Diptera) of the island of La Reunion. 7th International Barcode of Life Conference. 20-24 November 2017, Kruger National Park, South Africa. PDF
  • Gombeer, S., Meganck, K., Van Bourgonie, Y.R., Smitz, N., De Meyer, M. & Backeljau, T. Validating fish and seafood labelling using DNA barcoding. 24th Congress of Zoology, 23-24 November 2017, Wageningen, The Netherlands. PDF
  • Smitz, N., Meganck, K., Gombeer, S., Van Bourgonie, Y.R., De Meyer, M. & Backeljau, T. Invasive Alien Species in Belgium (IAS): examining the utility of GenBank and BOLD for species identifications. 24th Congress of Zoology, 23-24 November 2017, Wageningen, The Netherlands. PDF
  • Smitz, N., Deblauwe, I., Dekoninck, W., De Wolf, K., Meganck, K., Gombeer, S., De Meyer, M., Backeljau, T., Coosemans, M. & Van Bortel, W. Monitoring of Exotic MOsquitoes in Belgium (MEMO): molecular validations of morphological species identifications. 24th Congress of Zoology, 23-24 November 2017, Wageningen, The Netherlands. PDF
  • Van Bourgonie, Y.R., Backeljau, T., Lange, M.K., Penagos-Tabares, F., Hirzmann, J., Failing, K., Schaper, R., Hermosilla, C., Taubert, A. DNA barcoding and identification of intermediate slug hosts in the framework of an epidemiological survey in Germany. 24th Congress of Zoology, 23-24 November 2017, Wageningen, The Netherlands. PDF

2016

  • M. Virgilio, A. Manrakhan, H. Delatte, J-H. Daneel, M. Mwatawala, K. Meganck, N. Barr and M. De Meyer. 2016. DNA barcoding further indicates cryptic genetic variation in the mango fruit fly, Ceratitis cosyra (Diptera, Tephritidae). 3rd International Symposium of TEAM (Working Group on Tephritids of Europe, Africa and the Middle East), 2016, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  • Smitz, N., Cornélis, D., Chardonnet, P., Crossmary, W., Caron, A., Jouvenet, O., Meganck, K., Ligate, F., Ikanda, D., Fusari, A. & Michaux, J. 2016. Conservation genetics- two case studies of Africa’s Big Five: the lions of Tanzania (Panthera leo) and the buffaloes of Southern Africa (Syncerus caffer). Gestion rationnelle, conservation et éco-éthologie de la faune en milieu tempéré et tropical. University of Liege, 2016, Agro-Bio Tech, Gembloux.