NASA Citizen Science App Tackles Mosquito-Borne Disease

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From Nasa.gov
June 28, 2017

In many parts of the world, mosquitoes are more than just a summertime nuisance. They spread diseases that kill nearly 2.7 million people a year. Now citizen scientists can use a NASA app to help those working to understand and reduce mosquito-borne diseases.

NASA has introduced the Mosquito Habitat Mapper as part of its GLOBE Observer app available for iPhone and Android. The app includes training, making it easy for anyone to use.

The Mosquito Habitat Mapper guides users through the process of identifying and eliminating mosquito breeding sites. It also gives citizen scientists the option to identify the mosquito species to determine whether it could transmit Zika, dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya, and other diseases.

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California Zika By The Numbers

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From CaliforniaHealthline.org

This graphic details the Zika virus infections among California residents from 2015 through June 30, 2017. All cases on record have been among people who were infected while traveling to areas with ongoing Zika transmission, through sexual contact with an infected traveler or through maternal-fetal transmission. No direct transmission from mosquitoes to people has been documented in California. Birth defects have been detected in seven infants infected with Zika before, during or shortly after birth.

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News Briefs 06.30.17

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Agency Spotlight; Bylaws Change Ballot ; MVCAC Summer Meeting; Fiscal Status Report Submission for 2017-18 Dues; District Trustee Information Form; Trustee Council needs nominees!; MVCAC Fall Meeting; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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Zika 101 (Vector Control) Rap

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A rap video with simple steps for personal protection against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, the two known mosquito vectors of Zika virus. Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites and taking actions to limit mosquitoes on your property. The mosquitoes that spread Zika develop exclusively in small containers commonly found holding water around the yard. 

News Briefs 06.23.17

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Bylaws Change Ballot ; Fiscal Status Report Submission for 2017-18 Dues; National Mosquito Control Awareness Week Press Release; District Trustee Information Form; Trustee Council needs nominees!; MVCAC Summer Meeting; MVCAC Fall Meeting; 2017 IPM Achievement Awards-Call for Nominations; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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Giant Inflatable Mosquito Makes an Appearance to Increase Public Awareness about Invasive Mosquitoes

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From OCMVCD
June 26, 2017

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is a Reminder to Orange County Residents to Protect Themselves

Garden Grove, CA. There is a new giant inflatable mosquito in town. The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) is introducing a giant black-and-white inflatable mosquito, depicting the two recently established invasive species of mosquitoes, for National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (June 25 – July 1), to raise awareness and educate residents about the threats mosquitoes pose in Orange County, and throughout the nation. The 13-foot mosquito will be displayed for the first time in public on Friday, June 30th at 4 PM on Historic Main Street (12891 Main St.) in the city of Garden Grove.   

“This giant inflatable mosquito is a fun way to educate Orange County residents about a not-so-fun fact: we now have these aggressive day-biting invasive mosquitoes that can make people sick and will change our quality of life in Orange County,” said Mary-Joy Coburn, Public Affairs Coordinator. “When a member of the public enters the booth, they learn facts about mosquitoes, how to eliminate breeding sources, and how to protect themselves from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne illnesses.”

Click here to read the full press release.

Record Rainfalls and Warm Temperatures Could Mean an Explosion of Mosquitoes

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National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is a Reminder to Californians to Protect Themselves 

SACRAMENTO, June 22, 2017 – While California’s wettest winter in 122 years ended the state’s historic drought, the surge in rainfall could contribute to another threat: an active mosquito season with the potential for increased mosquito-borne virus transmission to people.

Heavy rains over the past six months have produced new sources of standing water throughout the state. As the weather heats up, these sources become ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes which could result in tens of thousands of potential virus transmitters, posing a health risk to Californians.

Mosquitoes in California actively transmit West Nile virus and Saint Louis encephalitis each year, and invasive mosquitoes detected in the state have the potential to transmit even more viruses such chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika.

Click here to read the full press release.

Updated CDC map shows 21% increase in US counties reporting mosquito that transmits Zika

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Last year, with the Western Hemisphere in the grip of a surprising Zika virus epidemic, CDC researchers used a survey to compile a list of U.S. counties where the mosquito at the heart of the epidemic, Aedes aegypti, had been documented over the past 21 years. They also documented counties that reported finding another mosquito, A. albopictus, known to transmit chikungunya and dengue viruses. The researchers said their data could be used to guide surveillance and mosquito control efforts across the country.

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News Briefs 06.16.17

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Fiscal Status Report Submission for 2017-18 Dues; District Trustee Information Form; Trustee Council needs nominees!; MVCAC Summer Meeting; MVCAC Fall Meeting; 2017 IPM Achievement Awards-Call for Nominations; Possible District Funding Opportunities from OES for Flooding Impacts; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 06.09.17

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Fiscal Status Report Submission for 2017-18 Dues; District Trustee Information Form; Trustee Council needs nominees!; MVCAC Summer Meeting; MVCAC Fall Meeting; Memorial for Robert “Bob” Schoeppner; First 2017 Detection of West Nile Virus in Merced County.; 2017 IPM Achievement Awards-Call for Nominations; Possible District Funding Opportunities from OES for Flooding Impacts; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 06.02.17

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Fiscal Status Report Submission for 2017-18 Dues; May 2017 Meeting Minutes Available Now; District Trustee Information Form; Trustee Council needs nominees!; MVCAC Summer Meeting; MVCAC Fall Meeting; 2017 IPM Achievement Awards-Call for Nominations; Possible District Funding Opportunities from OES for Flooding Impacts; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 5.26.17

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Memorial Day Holiday; May 2017 Meeting Minutes Available Now; District Trustee Information Form; Trustee Council needs nominees!; Aedes Roundtable Post it Summary; Collaborate on the Expanded Development of the “Visual Gateway” Pilot Project; MVCAC Summer Meeting; MVCAC Fall Meeting; 2017 IPM Achievement Awards-Call for Nominations; Possible District Funding Opportunities from OES for Flooding Impacts; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 05.19.17

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District Trustee Information Form; Trustee Council needs nominees!; Aedes Roundtable Post it Summary; Collaborate on the Expanded Development of the “Visual Gateway” Pilot Project; MVCAC Fall Meeting; 2017 IPM Achievement Awards-Call for Nominations; CalSurv Gateway webinar: May 22 from 10am-12pm; Possible District Funding Opportunities from OES for Flooding Impacts; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 05.12.17

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Collaborate on the Expanded Development of the “Visual Gateway” Pilot Project; MVCAC Fall Meeting; Special Districts Legislative Days; Possible District Funding Opportunities from OES for Flooding Impacts; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 05.05.17

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2017 MVCAC Annual Conference Survey; Special Districts Legislative Days; CAHAN Health Notification – First West Nile Virus Illness of 2017; Introducing the NEW CDPH Website; Possible District Funding Opportunities from OES for Flooding Impacts; 2017-18 Yearbooks Available Now!; NPDES Updates; Register Now for Expert-Lead UAS Training; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 04.28.17

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MVCAC Spring Meeting; 2017 MVCAC Annual Conference Survey; Special Districts Legislative Days; Possible District Funding Opportunities from OES for Flooding Impacts; 2017-18 Yearbooks Available Now!; Local Participation Needed; NPDES Updates; Register Now for Expert-Lead UAS Training; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 04.21.17

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MVCAC Spring Meeting; 2017-18 Yearbooks Available Now!; Local Participation Needed; Allan Inman Receives AMCA Medal of Honor; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 04.14.17

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Mosquito Awareness Week; 2017 Annual Conference; MVCAC Spring Meeting; Local Participation Needed; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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California’s wet winter could lead to an early mosquito season and increased virus transmission

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Mosquito Awareness Week educates California residents on preventing mosquito-borne viruses

SACRAMENTO, APRIL 13, 2017 – As California’s extremely wet winter comes to a close, mosquito experts throughout the state are ramping up for what will most likely be an early and active mosquito season. While the heavy rains were good for the state’s historic drought, they also produce new sources of standing water, the ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes and warm weather go hand in hand. Spring temperatures will further determine how early and aggressive the mosquito season will be.

With potentially the perfect storm of conditions for mosquito activity, Californians need to be aware of the serious risks mosquitoes present to their health including West Nile, Saint Louis encephalitis, and potentially dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses.

Click here to read the full press release.

News Briefs 04.07.17

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Mosquito Awareness Week Resolution; 2017 Annual Conference; MVCAC Spring Meeting; Local Participation Needed; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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MVCAC 2017 Annual Conference Photos

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News Briefs 03.24.17

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2017 Annual Conference; AB 718 – Grassroots efforts; MVCAC District Map Review; MVCAC Spring Meeting; Local Participation Needed; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; MVCAC Participates in California AG Day at the State Capitol; New General Manager of the Merced County MAD; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 03.17.17

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New MVCAC Staff Member; 2017 Annual Conference; MVCAC District Map Review; MVCAC Spring Meeting; Local Participation Needed; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; In valley, Indio at center for fight against Zika; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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In valley, Indio at center for fight against Zika

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Barrett Newkirk, The Desert Sun – Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Saturdays at dawn, a single-seat helicopter swoops over an Indio neighborhood, low enough that people hear the engine whir before they see the chopper flying just above the trees.

Trailing behind it are four streams of brown mist.

At first, the spraying worried Veronica Cruz, who said the noise would get her out of bed.

“Later we found out it was because of the mosquitoes,” Cruz said.

The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has used the helicopter since February to target the area the public agency says has become the epicenter of its battle with an invasive species of mosquito capable of spreading the Zika virus and other dangerous diseases. The aerial spraying is expected to continue well into April.

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News Briefs 03.10.17

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2017 Annual Conference; MVCAC Spring Meeting; Local Participation Needed; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; California residents urged to dump out standing water as mosquito season heats up; Job Opening: Vector Ecologist, San Joaquin County MVCD; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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California residents urged to dump out standing water as mosquito season heats up

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Kristin Hanes, SFGATE – Tuesday, March 7, 2017

The heavy rains may be wiping out California’s drought, but they’re breeding a different sort of problem. One that’s tiny, irritating, and makes a high pitch buzzing sound in your ear.

“Persistent rains require persistent mosquito control,” said Jamesina Scott, district manager and research director for Lake County Vector Control, and President of Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California. “We have had a lot of heavy rain and a lot of standing water. Our early season mosquitoes are taking full advantage of it. Mosquito control workers across the state have been inspecting all the standing water that’s out there now to find the best control solution.”

There are 56 different types of mosquitoes that live in California. Every one has its own season, is own habitat, its own hosts, and ability to transmit disease.

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News Briefs 03.03.17

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2017 Annual Conference; MVCAC Spring Meeting; Local Participation Needed; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; Job Opening: Vector Ecologist, San Joaquin County MVCD; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 02.24.17

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2017 Annual Conference; MVCAC Spring Meeting; EPA’s Risk Assessment Models – Survey; Salary Survey Announcement; Local Participation Needed; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; Job Opening: Vector Ecologist, San Joaquin County MVCD; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 02.17.17

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President’s Day; 2017 Annual Conference; EPA’s Risk Assessment Models – Survey; Salary Survey Announcement; Local Participation Needed; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; Job Opening: Vector Ecologist, San Joaquin County MVCD; NPDES Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 02.10.17

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2017 Annual Conference; Salary Survey Announcement; Local Participation Needed; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; Survey: Overcoming Financial & Institutional Barriers to Local Adaptation; Job Opening: Vector Ecologist, San Joaquin County MVCD; Job Opening: District Manager; NPDES Notification for 2017; NPDES Coalition Members; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 02.03.17

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February Board Meeting and Lobby Day; Proposed MVCAC Policy Changes; 2017 Annual Conference; 2017 – 2018 MVCAC Meeting Dates Posted!; Survey: Overcoming Financial & Institutional Barriers to Local Adaptation; Job Opening: Vector Ecologist, San Joaquin County MVCD; Job Opening: District Manager; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; NPDES Notification for 2017; NPDES Coalition Members; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 01.27.17

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February Board Meeting and Lobby Day; Proposed MVCAC Policy Changes; 2017 Annual Conference; Young Professionals Event at AMCA Annual Meeting; Job Opening: District Manager; Job Opening: General Manager; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; NPDES Coalition Members; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 01.20.17

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84th Volume of the MVCAC Proceedings & Papers Available Now!; February Board Meeting and Lobby Day; Proposed MVCAC Policy Changes; 2017 Annual Conference; Young Professionals Event at AMCA Annual Meeting; Job Opening; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; NPDES Coalition Members; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 01.13.17

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84th Volume of the MVCAC Proceedings & Papers Available Now!; February Board Meeting and Lobby Day; Job Opening; Proposed MVCAC Policy Changes; 2017 Annual Conference; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; NPDES Coalition Members; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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In the Fight Against Zika, Insecticides Hit a ‘Dead End’

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By JACOB BUNGE and BETSY MCKAY
Wall Street Journal – Jan. 5, 2017

Health workers have a thinning arsenal of insecticides capable of killing mosquitoes that carry Zika and similar viruses as the Southern Hemisphere’s summer begins and as outbreaks persist in other areas.

One reason: Eliminating disease-carrying mosquitoes is a niche business with costly barriers to entry.

“We may be hitting a dead end,”…

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News Briefs 01.06.17

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85th Annual Conference – Call for Papers, Presentations and Posters; February Board Meeting and Lobby Day; Job Opening; Proposed MVCAC Policy Changes; 2017 Annual Conference; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; NPDES Coalition Members; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 12.30.16

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MVCAC Offices Closed 12/23 and 12/26; 85th Annual Conference – Call for Papers, Presentations and Posters; February Board Meeting and Lobby Day; Proposed MVCAC Administrative Policy Change; 2017 Annual Conference; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; NPDES Coalition Members; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 12.22.16

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MVCAC Offices Closed 12/23 and 12/26; 85th Annual Conference – Call for Papers, Presentations and Posters; February Board Meeting and Lobby Day; Proposed MVCAC Administrative Policy Change; 2017 Annual Meeting; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; NPDES Coalition Members; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 12.16.16

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85th Annual Conference – Call for Papers, Presentations and Posters; 2017 Annual Meeting; December Planning Meeting Minutes Available Now; Jack Cavier Retiring from Glenn County MVCD; Min-Lee Cheng Retiring from West Valley MVCD; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; CDPH media release: Zika and Travel; DART holiday schedule; NPDES Coalition Members; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 12.09.16

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85th Annual Conference – Call for Papers, Presentations and Posters; 2017 Annual Meeting; 2017 Sentinel Chicken Orders; NPDES Coalition Members; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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West Valley MVCD Press Release

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DATE: NOVEMBER 22, 2016

Mr. Glenn Duncan, the Board President of the West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, is pleased to announce that the annexation of the City of Upland and sphere expansion to include San Antonio Heights and northern sphere of the City of Rancho Cucamonga into the district has been completed as of November 18, 2016.

Click here to view the full press release

News Briefs 11.23.16

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December Planning Meeting/Workshop; 2017 William C. Reeves New Investigator Award Applications; 85th Annual Conference – Call for Papers, Presentations and Posters; 2017 Annual Meeting; NPDES Coalition Members; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 11.18.16

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MVCAC Fall Board Meeting Post Packet/Minutes Available Now; December Planning Meeting/Workshop; New Email Addresses for Merced County MAD; 2017 William C. Reeves New Investigator Award Applications; 85th Annual Conference – Call for Papers, Presentations and Posters; 2017 Annual Meeting; NPDES Coalition Members; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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News Briefs 11.10.16

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Mosquito Control and Vector-Borne Disease in California; 2017 William C. Reeves New Investigator Award Applications; December Planning Meeting/Workshop; 85th Annual Conference – Call for Papers, Presentations and Posters; 2017 Annual Meeting; NPDES Coalition Members; MVCAC News Briefs – Zika Updates; MVCAC News Briefs – Other Outbreaks

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