Vectors & Pests Webinars
We aim to improve our capacity to identify and understand emerging vectors found in the United States. Our webinars provide up-to-date information on vector control topics and resources used to protect the public from the transmission of vector-borne diseases.
Introduction to Vector Management: What is a vector and why are they a concern?
This webinar is intended as an introduction to the world of vector control and management. We share the necessary information to enable environmental health professionals to better identify vector species from other environmental public health pests of concern. There is a panel discussion from experts in the field following a presentation by Dr. Caroline Efstathion, member of our Vector Control Program Committee.
The panel discussion is moderated by our Sub-Committee Chair, Nina Dacko, Associate Director at the Harris County Public Health Mosquito and Vector Control Division, and features top experts in the field, including CDC’s Team Lead of Entomology and Ecology, Dr. Roxanne Connelly, National Park Service’s Epidemiology Branch Chief, Dr. Maria Said, and American Mosquito Control Association’s Technical Advisor, Dr. Daniel Markowski.
Sterile Insect Technique: Innovative Tools for Controlling Invasive Mosquitoes
The mosquito control industry refers to the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) as the release of altered male mosquitoes that cause the production of no offspring or produce offspring that will not survive to the adult stage when they mate with local female mosquitoes in the wild. In light of resistance to pesticides, changes to the regulatory landscape, increased mosquito-borne disease transmission, globalization of invasive mosquitoes, predicted impacts of global climate change, and limitations on the investment of new insecticide classes for mosquito control, there is a need for new approaches that do not have the same pitfalls as the currently used technology. When integrated with other control strategies, the SIT method has been successful in controlling a number of high-profile insect pests, including fruit flies, tsetse flies, screwworms, moths, and mosquitoes. Public health professionals from two mosquito abatement districts shared their experience with this technique.
Integrated Mosquito Management
Presented by the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease and the American Mosquito Control Association.
August 2020 | Slides PDF
Integrated Tick Management: Strategies and Barriers to the Prevention of Tick-Borne Disease
Tick-associated diseases, mainly Lyme disease, are increasing, new diseases are being discovered, and various tick species are expanding their geographic range posing an increasing risk to the public. Ticks can be acquired outdoors around the home or during recreational activities, the risk of which will increase with warmer weather and as people seek escape from "quarantine fatigue." Dr. Stafford will briefly cover ticks, tick-borne disease incidence, and basic tick biology, and then review various environmental methods for tick-bite prevention and tick control. He will also highlight some of the barriers to effective tick management and tick-bite prevention in the United States.
May 2020 | Slides PDF
Mosquito Management: Turnkey Solutions and Responsible Control
Mosquito control may be necessary after natural disasters such as hurricanes and major floods. As waters associated with these events begin to recede, both nuisance and vector mosquito species can surge in abundance and consequently complicate relief efforts and cause public health concerns. When situations like this arise many state and county agencies implement emergency response plans and rely on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or private contractors for assistance in reducing mosquito populations. The goal is to alter arbovirus transmission cycles and create an environment that reduces stress to a displaced public and relief workers. In this webinar, Dr. Broox Boze, of Vector Disease Control International (VDCI), will discuss the multiple steps required to implement a responsible emergency response mosquito management plan. This will include the coordination with local, state, and federal governments, challenges with funding as well as preparation and logistics. Is your community prepared?
November 2019 | Slides PDF