In response to the locally acquired dengue case recently reported in Pasadena, MVCAC drafted a statement to assist with your outreach efforts and if you receive questions from residents and stakeholders.
Field Supervisor, West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District
Description:
Under direction, plans, organizes, and supervises the field inspection and control operations of the District; supervises employees engaged in such operations; and performs related work as required. May be required to cover any program for the District so must have a thorough knowledge of each program in the District.
Click here for more information
Open until filled.
New Annual Content Calendar Guide
The MVCAC PR Committee developed an annual content calendar to serve as a guide to help California mosquito and vector control districts with their outreach efforts and messaging seasonally. Each season identifies important topics to include in outreach messaging from social media to in-person events and much more. Print this calendar for a quick reference when strategically planning outreach. It is meant to spark creativity while also keeping District communicators proactive!
Podcast Episode: The Mosquitoes Are Winning
From The Daily
For decades, the world seemed to be winning the war against mosquitoes and tamping down the deadly diseases they carried. But in the past few years, progress has not only stalled, it has reversed. Stephanie Nolen, who covers global health for The Times, explains how the mosquito has once again gained the upper hand in the fight.
CA West Nile Virus & Dead Bird Call Center closes for the season on October 13, 2023
This season, the California Department of Public Health received over 5,900 dead bird reports to the CA West Nile Virus & Dead Bird Call Center (1-877-WNV-BIRD) and website. Over 1,700 dead birds were collected for testing, with 773 birds testing positive for West Nile virus (WNV). On October 13, the Call Center will transition to internet-only reporting at https://westnile.ca.gov/. WNV testing is limited in the fall and winter as WNV activity decreases, but dead bird reports are appreciated all year round.
3D Printing Workshop
NOW SOLD OUT*
To be put on a waitlist, please email Rachel Hickerson, rhickerson@amgroup.us
If you want to design and build custom tools for vector control such as dippers and sentinel cages, the latest innovation is 3D printing. Anyone interested in learning about 3D printing should join the workshop on Sunday, January 21, 2024. Start time will be 1PM at Monterey Peninsula College. Topics include:
- Essentials and advanced techniques for 3D printing
- 3D scanning and laser cutting
- Art and science of making prints and resolving issues
- Print your own 3D object
- Bring your questions!
Dengue Will ‘Take Off’ in Southern Europe, US, Africa This Decade, WHO Scientist Says
October 9, 2023
From MedScape
Dengue fever will become a major threat in the southern United States, southern Europe and new parts of Africa this decade, the WHO’s chief scientist said, as warmer temperatures create the conditions for the mosquitoes carrying the infection to spread.
AMCA Research Fund Day of Contributing: October 10, 2023
Date: Tuesday, October 10th, 2023
What Is It? It’s a day for everyone in the AMCA community to come together and support mosquito control research. Your contribution, no matter the amount, can make a significant impact.
How Can You Participate?
- Mark Your Calendar: Set a reminder for October 10th.
- Donate: We’ll provide a donation link on the day.
- Spread the Word: Share our social media posts to encourage your community to contribute too.
Why Do We Need Your Support? Your involvement can help us advance research, nurture young scientists, and protect public health. We are hoping our community can gather together to help us support one additional project each year!
Convergent Trends and Spatiotemporal Patterns of Aedes-Borne Arboviruses in Mexico and Central America
Bernardo Gutierrez ,Darlan da Silva Candido,Sumali Bajaj,Abril Paulina Rodriguez Maldonado,Fabiola Garces Ayala,María de la Luz Torre Rodriguez,Adnan Araiza Rodriguez,Claudia Wong Arámbula,Ernesto Ramírez González,Irma López Martínez,José Alberto Díaz-Quiñónez,Mauricio Vázquez Pichardo,Sarah C. Hill, [ … ],Marina Escalera-Zamudio [ view all ]
Published: Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, September 6, 2023
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0011169
Results indicate that CHIKV, DENV-1 and DENV-2 in Mexico share evolutionary and epidemiological trajectories. The southwest region of the country was determined to be the most likely location for viral introductions from abroad, with a subsequent spread into the Pacific coast towards the north of Mexico. Virus diffusion patterns observed across the country are likely driven by multiple factors, including mobility linked to human migration from Central towards North America. Considering Mexico’s geographic positioning displaying a high human mobility across borders, our results prompt the need to better understand the role of anthropogenic factors in the transmission dynamics of Aedes-borne arboviruses, particularly linked to land-based human migration.
Direct Mosquito Feedings on Dengue-2 Virus-Infected People Reveal Dynamics of Human Infectiousness
Louis Lambrechts, Robert C. Reiner et.al.
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases Sept 2023
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0011593
This study in Iquitos, Peru, showed that dengue patients with mild disease were most infectious to Aedes aegypti mosquitoes 2 d after the onset of symptoms and that these mosquitoes were able to transmit their infection 7 – 16 d after blood feeding. This empirical study provided a timeline for when secondary dengue cases could be expected following the onset of symptoms in an imported dengue case, thereby providing a timeline for preventive control operations.
Article Series: Mosquitoes Are a Growing Public Health Threat, Reversing Years of Progress
September 29, 2023
From New York Times
Climate change and the rapid evolution of the insect have helped drive up malaria deaths and brought dengue and other mosquito-borne viruses to places that never had to worry about them.
Communications Manager, Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District
Description: 
Under general direction, plans, organizes, and manages the staff and operations of the Communications Department including public relations, outreach, public education, communications, media relations, government relations, and community events; assists with formulation of departmental policies, goals, and directives; coordinates assigned activities with other District departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among District departments and with intergovernmental, regulatory agencies, and various public and private groups; provides responsible and complex professional assistance to the General Manager in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.
Click here for more information
Click here to apply
Open until filled
New Grassroots Advocacy Slide Deck
The PR Committee has created a “Mosquito 101” power point presentation that MVCAC members can use to educate policymakers and stakeholders about the intricacies of mosquito control. In addition to meeting with legislators in Sacramento, building relationships at the local level is critical for increasing awareness and fostering collaboration. State legislators are generally in their districts in the fall since the legislative session is over – this is a good time to invite them to tour your district. In addition to the slide deck there is a series of grassroots advocacy materials available on the legislative outreach section on the members-only side of the website.
The late-summer itch: Ankle-biting mosquitoes are in extra full force in L.A. Why?
From LA Times
September 21, 2023
When you think “so L.A.,” Erewhon smoothies, Barbie-pink sunsets and baristas with IMDB credits might come to mind. Now you can add mosquitoes to the list.
CA Endures Worst Mosquito Season In Years. When Will It End?
From Patch
September 16, 2023
As the blood-sucking ankle-biters take bite out of the Golden State, human West Nile Virus cases are spiking.
New Library of Donated Photos for MVCAC Member Agencies
The MVCAC PR Committee has a charge to create a library of mosquito and vector-related photos and videos for MVCAC members to use in their education and outreach efforts to augment in-house capabilities. And here it is! The MVCAC PR Committee has created a library of donated photos for MVCAC members to use in publications, on websites, in advertising and for any other forms of outreach. Districts all over California have graciously donated these photos. Whether you have a large agency with a large outreach department or a smaller agency with employees who wear multiple hats, these pictures are for you copy and use how you see fit.
MVCAC members do not need to list photo credit information when using the photos.
First West Nile Virus Death Reported in LA County
September 7. 2023
From the County of Los Angeles Public Health
First death of 2023 reinforces need for all residents to take precautions against mosquitoes
Novel Non-Chemical Technologies for Pest and Vector Management – Engineered, Sterile Insect and Related Technologies Workshop
Attend the “Novel Non-Chemical Technologies for Pest and Vector Management – Engineered, Sterile Insect and Related Technologies” Workshop on October 5, 2023
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation, along with co-sponsors the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the California Department of Public Health, are hosting a scientific workshop to discuss novel and emerging technologies and research, particularly focused on engineered, sterile insect and related technologies to manage pests.
The goal for workshop participants is to learn about existing and developing technologies and current research on pest management tools that are alternative to chemical tools. DPR will host an additional workshop in 2024 that will focus on the department’s evaluation framework for insect technologies requiring registration.
When: October 5, 2023, 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: California Environmental Protection Agency, 1001 I St., Sacramento, in the Coastal Hearing Room. The workshop will also be available for virtual attendance on Zoom. Zoom details are also available on the workshop agenda.
What: The workshop will feature presentations from public sector, private industry and university research scientists on past and current projects and research on new and emerging techniques to better understand these alternative pest management technologies and the science behind them. Each presentation will include an opportunity for questions from attendees. The agenda is available on DPR’s website
Speakers include: • Brad White, Principal Scientist and Director, Verily • Jason Leathers, Environmental Program Manager, California Department of Food and Agriculture • Kevin Gorman, Chief Development Officer, Oxitec • Marco Metzger, Senior Public Health Biologist, California Department of Public Heath • Nikolay Kandul, Researcher, UC San Diego and Cofounder, Synvect, Inc. • Peter Atkinson, Researcher, UC Riverside Department of Entomology • Stephanie Gamez, Director of Research and Development, Agragene
For questions regarding this event, please contact: Laurie Brajkovich Laurie.Brajkovich@cdpr.ca.gov.
The biting rate of Aedes aegypti and its variability: A systematic review(1970–2022).
:ZahidMH, VanWykH, MorrisonAC, ColomaJ, LeeGO, CevallosV, etal.(2023)
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0010831
Author summary: Half of the world’s population is now at risk of dengue infection, which transmits to humans mostly through the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito. Disease transmission models have played an important role in understanding the dynamics of dengue transmission and helping to develop control measures. The mosquito biting rate is one of the central parameters used in these models. Mosquito biting rates used in existing works are taken from a variety of studies, each with its strengths and limitations. To understand how existing study designs are used to estimate biting rate and how these estimates may vary over time, space, and environmental factors, we perform a systematic review of biting rate studies. We identify three study designs (human landing catch, marked-release-recapture, and histological) that play an important role in estimating per mosquito biting rates and capturing variability across a number of environmental factors. In particular, human landing catch studies can capture the variability of biting rates and marked-released-recapture studies along with histological studies can quantify the multiple feeding that occurs between ovipositions. Transmission modeling studies should be more informed by the biology of mosquito behavior. By understanding the biology of blood-feeding and context-specific factors, we can arrive at more informed per mosquito biting rate estimates for site-specific transmission model analysis.
[Submitted by the Vector and Vector-Borne Disease Committee]
West Nile virus is a growing threat this summer in California. What you need to know
August 30, 2023
From Los Angeles Times
West Nile virus infections are on the rise this year in California after a particularly wet winter led to more mosquito reproduction, according to health experts.
In the US, West Nile virus is leading cause of viral disease spread by insects, CDC study says
August 24, 2023
From CNN
The United States has seen a flurry of West Nile virus deaths reported in the last few days, including most recently in Illinois, Nebraska and Colorado.
Mosquito Hearing Could Be New Target for Mating Disruption, Study Shows
From Entomological Society of America
August 23, 2023
August is peak mosquito season, and California’s in a fight against disease some carry
From the Orange County Register
August 11, 2023
Community-based Integrated Tick Management Programs: Cost and Feasibility Scenarios
TL Schulze, L Eisen, K Russell, RA Jordan
Journal of Medical Entomology, tjad093, https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjad093
Abstract: Numerous studies have assessed the efficacy of environmentally based control methods to suppress populations of the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis Say), but few of these estimated the cost of control. We estimated costs for a range of tick control methods (including habitat management, deer exclusion or population reduction, broadcast of acaricides, and use of host-targeted acaricides) implemented singly or in combination and applied to a model community comprising 320 residential properties and parklands. Using the high end for cost ranges, tick control based on a single method was estimated to have mean annual costs per household ranging from $132 for treating only forest ecotone with a broadcast synthetic acaricide to kill host-seeking ticks (or $404 for treating all residential forested habitat) to >$2,000 for deployment of bait boxes (SELECT TCS) across all residential tick habitat to treat rodents topically with acaricide to kill infesting ticks. Combining different sets of multiple methods in an integrated tick management program placed the annual cost between $508 and 3,192 annually per household, underscoring the disconnect between what people in Lyme disease endemic areas say they are willing to pay for tick control (not more than $100–150 annually) and the actual costs for tick control. Additional barriers to implementing community-based tick management programs within residential communities are discussed.
Notes: Surveillance and determination of pathogen risk provide a basis for public health messaging to warn the public in affected areas, but do little to actually mitigate the problem. As risk elevates so does the mandate for a coordinated response. Schulze et al. provide estimates of mitigation costs to residents residing within Lyme disease endemic areas in the Eastern USA. These data are useful for MVCAC agencies considering mitigation in response to increasing threats of tick-borne diseases.
[Submitted by the Vector and Vector-Borne Disease Committee]
Delftia Tsuruhatensis TC1 Symbiont Suppresses Malaria Transmission by Anopheline Mosquitoes
Huang, W., J. Rodrigues, E. Bilgo, J. R. Tormo, J. D. Challenger, C. De Cozar-Gallardo, I. Pérez-Victoria, F. Reyes, P. Castañeda-Casado, E. J. Gnambani, D. F. Hien, M. Konkobo, B. Urones, I. Coppens, A. Mendoza-Losana, L. Ballell, A. Diabate, T. S. Churcher, and M. Jacobs-Lorena. 2023. delftia tsuruhatensis TC1 symbiont suppresses malaria transmission by Anopheline Mosquitoes. Science. 381: 533–540. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adf8141
Abstract: Malaria control demands the development of a wide range of complementary strategies. We describe the properties of a naturally occurring, non–genetically modified symbiotic bacterium, Delftia tsuruhatensis TC1, which was isolated from mosquitoes incapable of sustaining the development of Plasmodium falciparum parasites. D. tsuruhatensis TC1 inhibits early stages of Plasmodium development and subsequent transmission by the Anopheles mosquito through secretion of a small-molecule inhibitor. We have identified this inhibitor to be the hydrophobic molecule harmane. We also found that, on mosquito contact, harmane penetrates the cuticle, inhibiting Plasmodium development. D. tsuruhatensis TC1 stably populates the mosquito gut, does not impose a fitness cost on the mosquito, and inhibits Plasmodium development for the mosquito’s life. Contained field studies in Burkina Faso and modeling showed that D. tsuruhatensis TC1 has the potential to complement mosquito-targeted malaria transmission control.
Notes: This article describes the findings of a study investigating the role of harmane, a compound secreted by Delftia tsuruhatensis TC1 bacteria, in the disruption of Plasmodium development in the midgut and the reduction of sporozoite prevalence in salivary glands of anopheline mosquitoes. The authors also describe the efficacious delivery of D. tsuruhatensis TC1 to larvae and adult mosquitoes in laboratory and field settings, indicating the versatility of potential deployment in the field. Studies like this show the importance of understanding the mosquito microbiome in variability seen in pathogen transmission in the laboratory and field.
[submitted by the Vector and Vector-Borne Disease Committee]
Near Tulare Lake, State Disaster Relief Includes Millions for Mosquito Abatement
From KVPR
August 7, 2023
One mosquito abatement district in Tulare County has reportedly purchased its first-ever drone, amphibious vehicle and airboat.
Fleaborne Typhus–Associated Deaths
Los Angeles County, California, 2022
Alarcón J, Sanosyan A, Contreras ZA, et al. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:838–843. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7231a1
Abstract. Fleaborne typhus (also known as murine typhus), a widely distributed vectorborne zoonosis caused by Rickettsia typhi, is a moderately severe, but infrequently fatal illness; among patients who receive doxycycline, the case-fatality rate is <1%. Fleaborne typhus is a mandated reportable condition in California. Reported fleaborne typhus cases in Los Angeles County have been increasing since 2010, with the highest number (171) reported during 2022. During June–October 2022, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health learned of three fleaborne typhus–associated deaths. This report describes the clinical presentation, illness course, and methods used to diagnose fleaborne typhus in these three cases. Increased health care provider and public health awareness of the prevalence and severity of fleaborne typhus and of the importance of early doxycycline therapy is essential for prevention and treaogy oftment efforts.
Comment. For detailed accounts on the evolution and extent of this problem in Los Angeles and Orange Counties see Cummings et al. (2022: PMVCAC 90: 33-42). As reviewed, the epidemiology and etiology of typhus has been somewhat confounded by the occurrence of two rickettsia with differing life cycles and transmission patterns. However, the expansion of urban rodent, opossum and feral cat populations clearly have exacerbated the problem. The spread of homeless encampments is a related issue. Clinical research is needed to identify which rickettsia are involved in human disease, to delineate the extent of human infection in California, and to identify risk factors that may be targets for public health/vector control district intervention. Although human cases mostly seem confined to southern California, Rickettsia felis most likely is present wherever cat flea populations are found.
[Submitted by the Vector and Vectorborne Disease Committee]
Statement on Locally Acquired Malaria Cases in Florida and Texas
August 1, 2023
Recently, locally acquired cases of malaria in Florida and Texas have received national media attention. MVCAC has developed the below statement for member agencies to use when responding to questions regarding these detections and the risk of locally acquired cases in California. MVCDs are encouraged to tailor this statement with information specific to their district.
Despite reports of recent malaria cases in Florida and Texas, local transmission of malaria in the U.S. is very rare. Most malaria cases are acquired when people travel outside of the U.S. where malaria transmission occurs. Anopheles mosquitoes that can spread malaria are present in California, but the parasites that cause malaria are not currently found in these mosquitoes in California. The last cases of local transmission of malaria in California were reported in 1990. About 100 cases of malaria are reported each year in California from people who were infected while traveling in other countries. Since malaria is a reportable disease, all diagnosed imported cases are tracked by the state and local public health departments. The patient’s history and potential for exposure to local malaria vectors are evaluated and if need be, actions are made to prevent possible transmission within the local community.
Mosquito and vector control agencies in California monitor many species of mosquitoes including those that carry West Nile Virus, invasive mosquitoes, and those that have the ability to carry malaria. Mosquito and vector control agencies do this to protect public health and quickly respond when mosquito-borne diseases threaten residents.
Residents are encouraged to wear EPA-registered insect repellent and dump and drain all standing water in and around their homes to prevent mosquito bites. To learn more about mosquito prevention please visit mvcac.org. To learn more about malaria please visit the CDC and the California Department of Public Health.
West Nile Virus Strikes Again: Mosquito Spraying Ramps Up in San Jose, Milpitas
From Hoodline
August 1, 2023
In response to the discovery of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in San Jose and Milpitas, the Santa Clara County Vector Control District has initiated truck-mounted insecticide treatments to control and kill adult mosquitoes in the affected areas.
Dangerous virus detected in mosquitoes in New Hampshire
From WMUR9
July 26, 2023
Health officials urge residents to take precautions. The mosquito-borne Jamestown Canyon virus has been detected in seven batches of mosquitoes in New Hampshire this year but has so far not been found in people.
Innovative Technologies
New Process for Submitting Updated NOIs and PAPs to the State Water Board
June 2023
For vector control districts that wish to use pyriproxyfen in WOTUS, an updated Notice of Intent form and Pesticide Application Plan needs to be submitted to the State Water Board. Examples of completed documents can be found on the Water Board NPDES Vector Control Permit website. Due to web accessibility requirements, the State Water Board is no longer allowed to post 3rd party documents unless they are ADA-compliant. Therefore, the Water Board requests applicants post documents on their webpage and provide a link which will then be used to post on the State Water Board website for 30-day public comment as required per the permit.
Email Gurgagn Chand, Gurgagn.Chand@waterboards.ca.gov, your website link for the document. After the application link is posted for 30-day public comment, Water Board staff will notify you of any items that need to be addressed within the amended application package as well as any public comments received. If everything checks out, generally an amended Notice of Applicability approving the revisions will be issued by the Deputy Director of Water Quality within 1-2 weeks.
Email MVCAC Regulatory Affairs Committee Chair (Erika Castillo, erika@mosquitoes.org) if you have any additional questions.
Sample Social Media for Mosquito Season
May 2023
The California Department of Public Health has a selection of social media messages and graphics for agencies and districts to share this summer about West Nile virus (WNV), mosquito-bite prevention, and dead bird reporting: WestNile.ca.gov Sample Social Media
Other helpful CDPH resources and links:
Best Management Practices for Mosquito Control
July, 2023
An updated version of Best Management Practices for Mosquito Control in California (PDF) is available from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). This resource is a manual for landowners and land managers, and provides specific, primarily non-chemical actions that can be implemented to reduce or eliminate mosquito production from different habitats. Additional information about mosquitoes and larval habitats in California is also provided. This manual and additional resources are available from CDPH at:
News Brief 7.12.2023
Call for Papers; Save the Date!; Lear How Drones are Used to Control Mosquitoes; Award Nominations; Best Management Practices for Mosquito Control; Sample Social Media for Mosquito Season; Using Drones with Granular Larvicide?; etc.
Click here to view
Locally Acquired Cases of Malaria in Florida and Texas
Summary: CDC is collaborating with two state health departments on an investigation of six locally acquired cases of Plasmodium vivax malaria in Sarasota County, FL and one case in Cameron County, TX. There is no evidence to suggest that the cases in the two states are related. All patients were promptly treated at area hospitals and are recovering.
Most malaria cases diagnosed in the United States are imported, usually by persons who travel to countries where malaria is endemic. However, locally acquired mosquito-transmitted malaria cases can occur, as Anopheles mosquito vectors exist throughout the United States. In 2003, for example, there were 8 cases of locally acquired P. vivax malaria identified in Palm Beach County, FL.
Note: These vivax cases were travel related, but the source of the initial infection was not indicated. Possibilities include tourists visiting malaria endemic countries or immigrants with active parasitemia or relapsed chronic liver infections. The last outbreak of locally transmitted malaria in California occurred among farm workers in San Diego County during 1988 with Anopheles hermsi as the reputed vector
[https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00001559.htm]. These events serve to remind us that we have vectors of travel related pathogens other than invasive Aedes.
[Submitted by the Vector and Vector-borne Disease committee]
News Brief 6.28.2023
Save the date; Award Nominations; CDPH Insecticide Resistance Survey; Best Management Practices for Mosquito Control; Sample Social Media for Ticks and Mosquitoes; Using drones with granular larvicide?; New Process for Submitting Updated NOIs and PAPs to the State Water Board; Buying a drone? Read this first.
Click here to view
News Brief 6.21.2023
Save the date; Award Nominations; CDPH Insecticide Resistance Survey; Best Management Practices for Mosquito Control; National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is this week!; Sample Social Media for Ticks and Mosquitoes; Using drones with granular larvicide?; New Process for Submitting Updated NOIs and PAPs to the State Water Board; Buying a drone? Read this first.
Click here to view
News Brief 6.14.2023
Save the date; Best Management Practices for Mosquito Control; Award Nominations; National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is coming up!;Sample Social Media for Ticks and Mosquitoes; Using drones with granular larvicide?; New Process for Submitting Updated NOIs and PAPs to the State Water Board; Buying a drone? Read this first.
Click here to view
Sample Social Media for Ticks and Mosquitoes
The California Department of Public Health has a selection of social media messages and graphics for agencies and districts to share about tick-bite prevention, Lyme disease awareness, and dead bird reporting.
Share social media messages about dead bird reporting for WNV surveillance this spring and summer: WestNile.ca.gov Sample Social Media
Other helpful CDPH resources and links:
Award Nominations 2023
It’s nomination time! Nominations are now open for MVCAC’s Meritorious Service, Honorary Member, and the Service with Distinction Awards. All nominations must be received in the MVCAC office by September 11th so they may be included on the ballot to all the member districts, or adequate ad hoc committees may be appointed (for Service with Distinction).
For all award nominations, a list of the individuals qualifying accomplishments and achievements must also be received with the nomination letter.
Please submit nominations via email to mvcac@mvcac.org or fax at 916-444-7462 attn: Award Nominations. Ballots for Honorary and Meritorious Service will be sent out after September 13th, with a due date before the Fall meeting in October.
Please do not hesitate to contact the MVCAC office if you have any questions!
News Brief 6.7.2023
Save the date; Sample Social Media for Ticks and Mosquitoes; Award nominations; National Mosquito Awareness Week; Sample Social Media for Ticks and Mosquitoes; Using drones with granular larvicide?; New Process for Submitting Updated NOIs and PAPs to the State Water Board; Buying a drone? Read this first; News Headlines; Job Boards
Click here to view
Field Evaluation of In2Care Mosquito Traps to Control Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Hawai’i Island.
KK Brisco, CM Jacobsen, S Seok, X Wang, Y Lee, OS Akbari, AJ Cornel
J Med Entomol 60: 364–372, https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjad005
Abstract [condensed]: Our In2Care trial was performed in the coastal settlement of Miloli’i in the southwest of Big Island where both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus are found. This trial from Jul – Oct 2019 fell within the traditional wet season. No significant reduction in egg or adult counts were observed following 12 wk of two In2Care trap placements per participating household. In fact, an increase in adults during the trial required the local mosquito abatement program to stop the In2Care trap trial and institute a thorough source reduction and treatment campaign. The source reduction campaign revealed that a large variety and quantity of water sources competed with the oviposition cups that we had placed, which likely lowered the chances of our oviposition cups being visited by pyriproxyfen-contaminated Aedes adults exiting the In2Care traps.
Note: This report indicates that abundant alternative oviposition sites can compromise control that focuses on oviposition behavior.
[submitted by the Vector and VectorBorne Disease committee].
News Brief 6.1.2023
Save the date; Sample Social Media for Ticks and Mosquitoes; Using drones with granular larvicide?; New Process for Submitting Updated NOIs and PAPs to the State Water Board; Buying a drone? Read this first; News Headlines; Job Boards
Click here to view
Mosquito Samples in Tulare County Test Positive for West Nile Virus
From ABC 50 Action News
May 26, 2023
Officials are asking residents to use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves outdoors and drain any standing water.
Vector-Borne Bacterial Diseases: a Neglected Field of Infection Diseases Research
Laroche, M. and Weeks, E.N.I.
University of Texas, Galveston, TX and University of Florida, Gainseville.
Med. Vet. Entomol. 2023: 37: 177-178. DOI: 10.1111/mve.12646
Summary [VVBD Committee]: This short but interesting editorial reviews the bacteria transmitted by arthropods and concludes that although the burden of bacterial arthropod-borne bacterial diseases remains lower than the joint burden of parasitic and viral arthropod-borne diseases, there is an undeniable need to study these neglected pathogens. Significant gaps in their ecology, transmission pathogenesis still need to be filled.
News Brief 5.25.2023
Sample Social Media for Ticks and Mosquitoes; Using drones with granular larvicide?; New Process for Submitting Updated NOIs and PAPs to the State Water Board; Buying a drone? Read this first; News Headlines; Job Board
Click here to view
News Briefs 5.18.2023
Sample Social Media for Ticks and Mosquitoes; Use Case Guide for Using Aerial Drones to Apply Larvicide for Mosquito Control; Letter to DPR; New Process for Submitting Updated NOI’s and PAP’s to the State Water Board; Buying a Drone? Read this first; News Headlines; Job Board
Click here to view
News Briefs 5.10.2023
MVCAC SIT and Ad Hoc Meeting; MVCD Letter to DPR; New Process for Submitting Updated NOIs and PAPs to the State Water Board; Buying a drone? Read this first; Oxitec Voluntarily Withdraws its Research Authorization Application; News Headlines; Job Board
Click here to view
Assessing the Influence of Climate on the Spatial Pattern of West Nile Virus Incidence in the United States
Morgan E. Gorris*, James T. Randerson, Shane R. Coffield, Kathleen K. Treseder, Charles S. Zender,
Chonggang Xu, and Carrie A. Manore
Environmental Health Perspectives 2023. Vol. 131, No 4. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10986
*Author email: mgorris@lanl.gov
Summary [by Vector and Vector-borne Disease committee]: Using human case report data from 2005 to 2019 and seasonally averaged climate variables, the authors developed a predictive module to estimate mean annual WNV incidence. They found that regions with dry and cold winters and wet and mild summers have higher WNV incidence rates. Among the climate variables considered, winter precipitation, fall precipitation, and winter temperature were the three most important predictive variables. The authors believe this model may be a tool to predict the future spatial extent of WNV risk related to climate change. They acknowledged that subregional patterns of WNV are likely to be strongly influenced by a series of environmental variables such as land use, vegetation coverage, and hydrology. Dry agriculture landscapes that require significant irrigation also will influence patterns of WNV incidence.