LymeX education and awareness healthathon challenge
CDC is pleased to announce a new LymeX Education and Awareness Healthathon Challenge, which is a partnership of two US Department of Health and Human Services offices, CDC, and the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation. The goal of this challenge is to create educational materials to help raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, preventing tick bites, recognizing ticks, and knowing what to do if someone is bitten by a tick. The submission period opened on June 17 and will remain open until July 20, 2021. Final winnings will be announced in August 2021.
St. Louis encephalitis virus in the Southwestern United States: A phylogeographic case for a multi-variant introduction event
Since the reemergence of St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) Virus (SLEV) in the southwestern United States, first detected during the 2015 outbreak in Arizona, SLEV has been detected annually within Culex spp. populations across much of the region. Previous work revealed the 2015 outbreak was caused by an importation of SLEV genotype III, which had only been detected previously in Argentina. However, little is known about when the importation occurred or the transmission and genetic dynamics since its arrival into the Southwest. In this study, PacVec training grant recipients Chase Ridenour and Dr. Crystal Hepp of Northern Arizona University collaborated with vector control partners to determine whether the annual detection of SLEV in the Southwest is due to enzootic cycling or new importations. To address this question, they analyzed 174 SLEV genomes (142 sequenced as part of this study) using Bayesian phylogenetic analyses to estimate the date of arrival into the southwestern US and characterize the underlying population structure of SLEV. Phylogenetic clustering showed that SLEV variants circulating in Maricopa and Riverside counties form two distinct populations with little evidence of inter-county transmission since the onset of the outbreak. Alternatively, the phylogenetic data suggest that in 2019, Yuma (AZ) and Clark (NV) counties experienced importations of SLEV that originated in Riverside and Maricopa counties. Finally, the earliest representatives of SLEV genotype III in the Southwest form a polytomy that includes both California and Arizona samples. The research team hypothesizes that the initial outbreak most likely resulted from the importation of a population of SLEV genotype III variants, perhaps in multiple birds, possibly multiple species, migrating north in 2013, rather than a single variant introduced by a single bird [full article].
West Nile virus activity continues in the Pacific Southwest
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) confirms the first human West Nile virus (WNV) death of 2021. The death occurred in San Luis Obispo County. “West Nile virus activity in the state is increasing, so I urge Californians to take every possible precaution to protect against mosquito bites,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, Director of the California Department of Public Health and State Public Health Office [full article].
WNV activity continues to increase in the Pacific Southwest. More WNV-positive mosquitoes have been detected in California (Madera County and Kern County), Utah (Davis County), Idaho (Payette County), Washington (Walla Walla County), and Arizona (Maricopa County). As mosquito season ramps up, vector control agencies urge the public to take precautions such as applying repellents on exposed skin and eliminating mosquito breeding sites from backyards.
Confirmed case of dengue in Guam
The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services confirmed one new local case of dengue fever on June 21, 2021. The last two local sporadic cases of dengue fever occurred more than 15 months ago and were more than a month apart in January and February 2020. There was a total of 22 cases in all of 2019 – 13 locally acquired and 9 imported cases – including cases from the September 2019 outbreak. The public is urged to continue prevention efforts and clean up trash, water containers and other mosquito breeding areas to protect themselves. This is particularly important with the rainy season beginning. As part of vector control efforts, DPHSS will conduct surveillance in areas identified as high-risk. Pesticide spraying will also be done in these areas as necessary [full article].
Support CDC's development of new tick surveillance tools!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking Ixodes spp. ticks to expand their reference collection to support morphological identification and for the development of new molecular assays to identify ticks to species. If you have any additional ethanol-preserved ticks available that you’d be willing to send (shipping address is given below), CDC would love to receive up to 30 per species and life stage per submitter. Ideally, these would be accompanied with information on when the tick was collected and from which county.
Please submit ticks to: Shelby Ford, CDC/DVBD/BDB, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521.
Package tubes in a suitable container according to your shipper’s guidelines. Shipments in 70% ethanol must comply with the allowable limits of the federal government’s “Small Quantity” provision for ground transport. See US Postal Service instructions. Other shippers have similar rules, so check with your preferred shipper before sending samples. Each package must be clearly marked on the address side with the following words: “This package conforms to 49 CFR 173.4.”
PacVec held the last spring seminar series this past Tuesday, July 13th. Seminar recordings can be found here: https://pacvec.us/seminar-series/. To be notified about upcoming seminars, please sign up for our mailing list by clicking subscribe.
Recordings available:
Krijn Paaijmans, Arizona State University: “From Mozambique to Maricopa: How do human and mosquito behaviors impact vector control”[VIEW RECORDING]
Kathleen Walker, The University of Arizona: “Impacts of ULV applications on vectorial capacity of Aedes aegypti”[VIEW RECORDING]
Andrea Swei, San Francisco State University: “Host blood meal impacts on tick vector competency"
NEW - Claudia Rückert, University of Nevada, Reno: “Building capacity to study Culex spp. antiviral defenses” [VIEW RECORDING]
CDC Zoonoses and One Health Updates (ZOHU Calls)
Zoonoses & One Health Updates (ZOHU) Calls are one-hour monthly webinars that provide timely education on zoonotic and infectious diseases, One Health, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, vector-borne diseases, recent outbreaks, and related health threats at the animal-human-environment interface.
Free Continuing Educationfor a variety of public health, animal health, and human health professionals. Participants can earn CME, CNE, CEU, CECH, CPH and AAVSB/RACE. Each call is recorded and available online for those unable to attend live sessions.
Contact us if you have questions or suggestions for future topics.
Subscribe to the monthly ZOHU Call News and Updates email newsletter.
Learn to develop an effective vector surveillance program, collect data, and communicate risk with the Cornell Entomology Department and eCornell in the newest online course Vector-Borne Diseases Surveillance. Take this 3-week instructor-led course with Dr. Laura Harrington and learn best practices to implement vector surveillance, data, and reporting methods.
The CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases has developed an online tick training course, now available! This course is an introduction to ticks, tick-borne diseases, and tick control for employees in the urban pest management industry, public health entomologists, and anyone interested in learning more about ticks. This self-paced course is eligibile for 2 FDACS CEUs. Learn more and enroll for free!
Web-based Global Directory of Medical Entomology Courses
TDR has supported the development of a Global Atlas of Medical Entomology Schooling (GAMES), which lists a total of 126 medical entomology courses offered both on-campus and through distance learning in 32 countries across all WHO regions, covering seven languages. The freely available directory was developed in collaboration with the GVH and ARCTEC at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), following the mapping of courses available globally. WHO’s Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases and the WHO Global Malaria Programme have also reviewed the directory and provided recommendations. For each course, session dates, course outline, fees, language of instruction and responsible managers are listed. REGISTERLEARN MORE
The Border Tick and Rickettsia Surveillance (BiTeRS) program of the Pacific Southwest Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (PacVec)offers services to enhance surveillance for ticks and tick-borne pathogens of human health concern in California and Arizona. This is made possible through our project leaders at the University of California, Davis and the University of Arizona, and collaborating local and state agencies, including the California Department of Public Health and the Arizona Department of Health Services.
We work with partner organizations to:
Perform surveillance for ticks and tick-borne diseases in their area
Learn about risks of tick-borne diseases in their area by testing ticks for pathogens/diseases
Collect and submit ticks for identification and testing
Rapidly report results of tick identification and pathogen testing to submitting partners
Provide training on ticks and tick-borne disease
We help every step of the way, and shipping and testing are FREE. Collection supplies and protocols are provided, and partners receive all results on ticks they have submitted.
Partner organizations may be:
Government entities (local, tribal, county, or other)
Workplaces with tick exposure
Animal control, humane, or veterinary organizations
Pest control services
Other businesses or groups near the southern border with potential tick exposure
In California, please contact Janet Foley and Laura Backus atcalticks@pacvec.usor call (530) 754-9740. In Arizona, contact Kathleen Walker and Lucy Li at azticks@pacvec.usor call (520) 405-9401. Stay Safe!
New CDC website for the Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases
The CDC Division of Vector-Borne Diseases launched a new website highlighting the five Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (CoE). This website is a central location where you can learn more about the mission, key issues, and impact of each of the CoE programs. Visit the CoE website today!
If you have mosquito (Aedes or Culex) samples to be tested for insecticide resistance, PacVec is providing testing and training services at no charge, and all results will be returned to you. Dr. Anton Cornel's laboratory is leading this activity and organizing various regional training workshops on bottle bioassay testing. If you are interested, please contact us right away at bioassays@pacvec.usto arrange for shipment and timing of the testing.
Current situation with PacVec resistance testing
Dr. Anton Cornel and Katherine Brisco are both working at the lab full time now and are starting up their resistance testing for the season (both bottle bioassays and field trials). However, due to traveling for field trials and training workshops, testing will be conducted by prior arrangement on a first-come first-served basis.
Videos on larval mosquito resistance testing
In collaboration with partners at the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California, PacVec CoE has produced new training videos providing an overview of resistance testing for larval mosquitoes. The videos discuss the rationale for monitoring resistance in mosquitoes, an overview of dose responses and how the dose response changes as resistance to larvicides evolves in a mosquito population, the different types of larval mosquito control agents, the supplies needed for carrying out bioassays, bioassay set-up and making stock solutions of control agents, and interpreting the bioassay results. See the videos and related materials at https://pacvec.us/larval-mosquito-resistance-testing-video/.
Vector Control and Public Health Agencies Need Summer Interns for 2021, or Just Help Advertising Positions for Students?
Please contact us anytime if your agency has seasonal positions that may be of interest to undergraduate students in the Pacific Southwest region. Such positions are important formative experiences for students, and they are excellent opportunities to raise awareness of career opportunities in vector-borne diseases. These can be simple job postings that we will advertise to our undergraduates or we can help you partner with faculty for project-based internships that involve academic credit with a faculty mentor and possible continued data analysis during the school year. If you are interested, please send us a note at training@pacvec.us. To maximize your audience and reach the best candidates for your positions, please send us these position announcements as early as possible, ideally in January or February, before students have settled their summer plans.
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA is seeking a M.S. or Ph. D. level graduate research assistant. The competitive assistantship is funded for -2 years and will cover tuition, stipend, and health insurance. The successful candidate can start immediately upon acceptance into the graduate program. Applications will be accepted until the right candidate is identified. Please send a letter of interest, concise CV (degrees and courses taken, publications, presentations, awards, etc.) and contact information for three references to Dr. Monika Gulia-Nuss (mgulianuss@unr.edu). The applicant will also need to apply and be accepted into the UNR graduate program. Please email Dr. Gulia-Nuss if you have additional questions.
One postdoctoral position is available for a highly motivated individual to study mosquito – pathogen - host interactions using state-of-the-art approaches, combining infection assays,genetics, interaction and field studies. The postdoctoral scientist will have considerable freedom to develop related research projects according to his/her interests. Expertise and aptitude in at least some of the following areas is essential: molecular biology, entomology, animal handling, virology, genetics, immunology and field work. The Vasilakis Lab [Nikos Vasilakis Lab | Create-NEO | Sealy Center for Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases] is affiliated to the Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch. The department have state-of-the-art biocontainment and insectary facilities and comprise an excellent group of faculty with a broad range of interests and expertise in vector-borne infectious diseases. The department and institution provide an excellent environment for biomedical career development. Please address inquires and applications (letter of personal and academic goals, CV, and contact information for two references) to Nikos Vasilakis (nivasila@utmb.edu).
A postdoctoral position is available in Gabriel Hamer’s Lab (http://hamerlab.tamu.edu) in the Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University. The successful candidate will contribute to one or more research projects funded by multiple federal sponsors, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense, and the National Institutes of Health. Lab projects include the evaluation of mosquito and tick control interventions, triatomine vector biology and control, mosquito and triatomine transmission experiments, and high containment research on SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. Review of applications will begin immediately and the positions will remain open until filled. The expected start date is flexible. Applications should include a CV, statement of research interests, the names of three references and be e-mailed as a single PDF to: ghamer@tamu.edu
The University of South Carolina Laboratory (UofSC) of Zoonotic and Vector-borne diseases is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to join the lab, starting January 2021. The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Melissa Nolan to execute multiplex pathogen detection assays, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis on pediatric cohort samples and insect vector species. About the UofSC Laboratory of Zoonotic and Vector-borne Diseases: the laboratory focuses on the epidemiology of Spotted Fever group rickettsioses, Chagas disease, gastrointestinal parasites and emerging arboviral pathogens in the United States and Latin America.
The Thangamani Lab is looking to hire an organized, detail-oriented, and motivated individual to investigate the emergence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in New York through their Citizen Science Program (Upstate Tick Testing Program - www.nyticks.org). Individual with demonstrated experience in tick surveillance and pathogen testing is preferred. Minimum qualification is a Bachelor's degree in Biological sciences or a related field. For additional information or informal discussion, please reach out to thangams@upstate.edu.
The Thangamani Lab is looking to hire an organized, detail-oriented, and motivated individual. The ideal candidate will use molecular, immunological and imaging methods to investigate the biology of arbovirus transmission at the vector-host-virus interface. Individual with demonstrated experience in viral immunology and imaging is preferred. Enthusiastic individual should also have: (1) Strong interest in our lab research [https://thangamani-lab.com/research-projects], (2) Willingness to work with BSL-3 agents within BSL-3/ABSL-3/ACL-3 laboratories, (3) Possess strong verbal/written communication & organizational skills
The Vazquez-Prokopec Lab at Emory University seek an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher whose broad interests focus on medical entomology, vector ecology and control. This position will be supported by a NIH-funded project (U01AI148069) occurring in the city of Merida (Mexico) evaluating the epidemiologic impact of targeted indoor residual spraying on Aedes-borne viruses. More specifically, this post-doctoral opportunity will center on the study of the evolution of resistance to control interventions in Aedes aegypti. To apply, submit a single PDF to Dr. Vazquez-Prokopec at gmvazqu@emory.edu including: a) an updated CV; b) two relevant publications published by you; c) names and contact information of three references. The start date is negotiable, with a target of September 1, 2021. Full position details available here.
Location: Atlanta, GA Application due: Open until filled
Dr. Michael Wimberly is seeking an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to study the environmental determinants of mosquito-borne disease transmission. The position is in the Ecological and Geospatial Research and Applications in Planetary Health (EcoGRAPH) group in the Department of Geography & Environmental Sustainability at the University of Oklahoma. The postdoc will have a major role in a new NIH-funded study exploring urban landscapes, climate variability, and mosquito transmission in India. This exciting project (R01AI153444) is a collaboration with Cornell University and the University of Chicago. They will also contribute to an established project on West Nile virus forecasting across four U.S. states.
The position is available as early as May 1, 2021, although a later start date is negotiable, and will be open until filled. To apply, please send a letter of interest and a CV to Dr. Mike Wimberly at mcwimberly@ou.edu. Please feel free to send an email first if you have questions about the position
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Urban Pest Management
The Urban Entomology lab at Department of Entomology, Rutgers University has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position starting in January 2021. Primary responsibility is to conduct applied research in urban pest management. Current projects include house mouse and cockroach management research in apartment buildings. The secondary responsibility is to collaborate with the pest control industry to design, execute, and summarize bioassays. Requires a PhD in area of Entomology or closely related field. Visit the page of Dr. Changlu Wangto learn more about this position and how to apply.
The Reiskind Vector Ecology Laboratory at North Carolina State University has a research assistantship available for a doctoral or master’s student. Responsibilities would include assessing bed net material efficacy, maintaining mosquito colonies, and developing and completing an original research thesis or dissertation project on the ecology of arthropod vectors. The position is available starting in June of 2021, with enrollment as a graduate student in August of 2021. The position comes with a competitive stipend, health insurance, and tuition and fees paid. For more information, please contact Dr. Michael Reiskind or our Director of Graduate Programs, Dr. Clyde Sorenson about applying.
The Gompper lab at New Mexico State University’s Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology (https://fwce.nmsu.edu/) is seeking a Post-doctoral Research Associate in the field of Wildlife Disease Ecology, with a focus on understanding parasite-host interactions in the arid-land ecosystems of the southwestern US. Pending final approval of funding for the position, the expected start date is July 1 2021 (although earlier or later start dates may be possible). It is expected that two years of support is available for the position. The selected candidate will focus on several projects, including most prominently a NSF-funded study of the ecology of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus and a USDA – McIntire-Stennis funded project on the impacts of fire on the ecological parasitology of mammals.
Please send cover letter (describing motivation, qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to this position), CV, and names (with contact information) of three references to gompperm@nmsu.edu. Evaluation of applications will commence April 1 2021 and continue until the position is filled.
The Aliota laboratory at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary medicine is seeking a postdoc to help lead multidisciplinary projects in arbovirus evolution, transmission, and pathogenesis. The candidate for this position may work on projects that are mosquito-centric, vertebrate-centric, virus-centric, or a mix of all three. The position is available as early as May 2021 and will be for a minimum of 2 years. The projects will include one or more of the following: (1) the impact of pre-existing immunity to dengue virus on Zika virus pathogenesis in pregnant nonhuman primates, (2) the molecular evolution of Zika virus during host switching, (3) antiviral signaling at the maternal-fetal interface, or (4) other interesting projects that may emerge.
Email your CV, 1 page cover letter (that includes an outline of the research projects/interests you may like to develop or bring to the lab), 1 writing sample (paper or grant), and the contact info for 3 references; or questions to mtaliota@umn.edu.
Location: Minneapolis, MN Application due: Open until filled (start date is anytime between May and December 2021)
The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is requesting research proposals. This funding opportunity is aimed at improving their Integrated Vector Management Program targeting mosquitoes, red imported fire ants, and flies in the Coachella Valley. Past research projects have included attractive sugar baits, vegetation management in wetlands, biological control of fire ants, and activity of house flies. Because of the unique environment including very high temperatures and low precipitation, projects designed to work with the environmental conditions for surveillance of vectors and vector-borne diseases and projects that tailor control methods to the habitat here are of great interest. Visit their website for guidelines on proposal submission interests of the District, and a budget worksheet (you can obtain these at https://www.cvmosquito.org/about-us/pages/rfps under Research Program FY 2021-2022).
Proposal Due: 09/01/2021 (Proposals will be reviewed in October)
Participant will investigate tick species presence, distribution and density at up to 8 Air Force Bases (TBD) in the United States. Activities will include: environmental tick surveillance (e.g. flagging, dragging); removal of ectoparasites from euthanized/nuisance killed wildlife; sampling of ticks and other ectoparasites from birds; identification of tick samples to genus and species; extraction of nucleic acids to prepare samples for PCR and sequencing analysis; detection of tick-borne disease agents in samples; PCR species ID, or genetic sequencing of samples (only as needed); analyze nucleotide sequence data to confirm species identification or to reveal phylogenetic relationships (only as needed); perform a comparative tick sampling study at the host location, using two different dry ice traps and two different tick drags.
Yearly Stipend: $50,000.00 to $60,000.00 (depends on education, qualifications, and experience) Start Date: September 2021 (desired, but open to negotiation)
Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis until the opportunity is filled.
The CDC Arctic Investigations Program is recruiting a senior epidemiologist (MD, DO, DVM, PhD) for the Epidemiology Team in Anchorage, Alaska. This solicitation is for civil service personnel in job series 601 or 602 at grades 13, or Commissioned Corps Officers at the O-4, O-5, or O-6 levels. The Arctic Investigations Program’s mission is to prevent morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases in the Arctic and sub-Arctic, with special focus on diseases of high incidence and concern among indigenous peoples. For information, please contact: Marc Fischer at mfischer@cdc.gov or 907-729-3427. To apply, send a statement of interest and current curriculum vitae to mfischer@cdc.gov.
The Beach Mosquito Control District is inviting applications to fill the Assistant Entomologist position. The Entomology Assistant assists with all aspects of arthropod vector surveillance and reports data. Determines efficacy and efficiency of insecticides. Applies pesticides, as needed, for mosquito control activities utilizing available application techniques/equipment. Work is performed under the supervision of the Entomologist and the Director.
LEAT is currently seeking an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Visual Observer (VO) and loader to support ground and flight operations of an unmanned aircraft for aerial applications and imagery. As part of the operations, you will be responsible for all tasks associated with performing the Visual Observer duties and loading of the UAS. This position has a potential for advancement opportunities to become a UAS Remote Pilot-In-Command (RPIC). Direct supervision will be under the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC). Weekend work may be required occasionally.
Salary: $13.00 to $15.00 per hour Location: Sacramento, CA Application due: Open until filled
Under the direction of the General Manager and Assistant Manager, the Community Education and Outreach Coordinator is responsible for identifying and utilizing appropriate methods for reaching the District’s stakeholders; representing the District in media and community relations appearances; and developing public health communication programs to focus prevention efforts on key behaviors that have the greatest potential to reduce vectors and vector-borne diseases, including creative video and graphic content for digital, broadcast, and print campaigns. This position is among those responsible for information on the District website. The position requires discretion, judgment, creativity, and will be responsible for supervising other personnel during events. Excellent communication skills and sound judgment are required. The position constitutes an exempt employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Salary:$65,488.59 - $81,860.73 per year Location: Visalia, CA Application due: Open until filled
Under the direction of the General Manager, provides leadership, plans, organizes, and directs operational programs and facilities. Supervises and coordinates the activities of the Operations Department, demonstrates a full understanding, and ensures compliance with federal and state laws, county, and city ordinances, District policies, and procedures, as well as represented employees’ Memorandum of Understanding. Coordinates assigned activities with other departments, outside agencies, and vendors, supervises and coordinates the maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds, and equipment, and other duties as required.
Salary: $7,956.00 - $10,662.00 per month Location: Concord, CA Application due: Open until filled
The Kings Mosquito Abatement District is accepting applications for the Area Supervisor position. Under direction, the Area Supervisor is to perform inspections and control operations in an assigned area or specialized function of a mosquito abatement agency and to do related work as required. Some knowledge of mechanics, general problems and techniques of vector control, including the use of pesticides and safety precautions; ability to work independently and responsibly; to organize and conduct assigned vector abatement field operations, to make accurate observations and to keep detailed records; ability to work cooperatively and effectively with other employees and the public; and to evaluate situations accurately, and to maintain and appreciate safety precautions. Applications and resumes may be sent via email to office@kingsmosqutio.net, or by mail at the following address: 13960 Power Way, Hanford, Ca 93230. Please contact the District for additional details at (559) 584-3326.
The Natural Resources and Land Management (NRLM) Division within the Water Enterprise of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is hiring for two Senior Integrated Pest Management Specialists for their Sunol and Burlingame work locations. Under direction, the Senior Integrated Pest Management Specialist is responsible for the assignment and supervision of a crew of integrated pest management specialists engaged in the inspection trees, shrubs, grass, rights of way (roads, flood control channels, transportation corridors, lots, landscaping and easements, etc.), bodies of water and structures for evidence of various pests and related damage, and taking appropriate steps to resolve problems.
Salary: $85,150.00 - $103,506.00 per year Location: San Francisco, CA Application due: Continuous
Under general direction of the Manager or his/her designee, the Geographic Information System (GIS) / Information Technology (IT) Coordinator is responsible for the development, coordination and maintenance of the District’s Geographical Information Systems and the District’s hardware and software systems. Interested individuals should submit a cover letter and a complete and current resume/CV that includes three verifiable references. Those invited to be interviewed will be required to complete a District employment application form.
Salary: $65,930.00 - $79,725.00 per year Location: Stockton, CA Application due: Open until filled
Under the general direction of the Assistant Manager and direct supervision of the Field or Fisheries Supervisor, this position performs inspections and control operations or other related or specialized services in an assigned crew within the Control Operations department for the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District.
Salary: starting at $4,162.00 per month Location: Elk Grove, CA Application due: Continuous
Multiple Faculty Positions in Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for multiple research-intensive tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in emerging and re-emerging viruses that expand and build upon our programmatic strengths, expertise, assets and impact. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to virus-host interactions, animal models, ecology, immunology, genetics and evolution, structural biology, and zoonotic transmission. Successful candidates will join a highly interactive virology and infectious disease research community on campus that is an integral part of the university’s Infectious Disease Institute, including the Center for Retrovirus Research, Center of Microbiome Science, and a newly NIH-funded center, STOP-COVID. These positions are part of the university’s new initiatives on research for academic excellence. Application materials should be submitted to Casey Hofmann. Inquiries may be directed to the chair of the search committee,Dr. Shan-Lu Liu.
Location: Columbus, OH Application due: Review of applications will begin 06/01/2021 and continue until positions are filled
NEW - Ridenour CL, Roe CC, Henke JA, Raman V, Foster JT, Hepp CM et al. St. Louis encephalitis virus in the Southwestern United States: A phylogeographic case for a multi-variant introduction event. Front Genet. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2021.667895
Bechtel MJ, Drake KK, Esque TC, Nieto NC, Foster JT, Teglas MB. Borreliosis transmission from ticks associated with desert tortoise burrows: Examples of tick-borne relapsing fever in the Mojave Desert. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2021.0005
Wang X, Zhou G, Zhong D, Li Y, Octaviani S, Yan G et al. Impact of underground storm drain systems on larval ecology of Culex and Aedes species in urban environments of Southern California. Sci Rep. 2021.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-92190-3
Metzger ME. A legacy of mosquito control through wetland management: a tribute to William E. Walton and his contributions to science and entomology. Wetlands Ecol Manage. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-021-09813-9
Danforth ME, Fischer M, Snyder RE, Lindsey NP, Martin SW, Kramer VL. Characterizing areas with increased burden of West Nile virus disease in California, 2009–2018. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2021.0014
Why AM, Choe D-H, Walton WE. Identification of chemicals sssociated Gambusia affinis (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae), and their effect on oviposition behavior of Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Laboratory. Journal of Med Ent. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjab078
Narasimhan S, Swei A, Abouneameh, Pal U, Pedra JHF, Fikrig E. Grappling with the tick microbiome. Trends Parasitol. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2021.04.004
Deng J, Guo Y, Su X, Liu S, Yang W, Yan G et al. Impact of deltamethrin-resistance in Aedes albopictus on its fitness cost and vector competence. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0009391
Chen TY, Vorsino AE, Kosinski KJ, Romero-Weaver A, Chiu JC, Lee Y et al. A magnetic-bead-based mosquito DNA extraction protocol for next-generation sequencing. JoVE. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3791/62354
Salkeld DJ, Lagana DM, Wachara J, Porter WT, Nieto NC. Examining prevalence and diversity of tick-borne pathogens in questing Ixodes pacificus ticks in California. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.00319-21
Hacker GM, Jackson BT, Niemela M, Andrews ES, Danforth ME, Pakingan MJ et al. A Comparison of Questing Substrates and Environmental Factors That Influence Nymphal Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae) Abundance and Seasonality in the Sierra Nevada Foothills of California. Journal of Medical Entomology. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjab037
Interested in viewing more articles from PacVec researchers?
Since the reemergence of St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) Virus (SLEV) in the southwestern United States, first detected during the 2015 outbreak in Arizona, SLEV has been detected annually within Culex spp. populations across much of the region. Previous work revealed the 2015 outbreak was caused by an importation of SLEV genotype III, which had only been detected previously in Argentina. However, little is known about when the importation occurred or the transmission and genetic dynamics since its arrival into the Southwest. In this study, 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking Ixodes spp. ticks to expand their reference collection to support morphological identification and for the development of new molecular assays to identify ticks to species. If you have any additional ethanol-preserved ticks available that you’d be willing to send (shipping address is given below), CDC would love to receive up to 30 per species and life stage per submitter. Ideally, these would be accompanied with information on when the tick was collected and from which county.
TDR has supported the development of a Global Atlas of Medical Entomology Schooling (GAMES), which lists a total of 126 medical entomology courses offered both on-campus and through distance learning in 32 countries across all WHO regions, covering seven languages. The freely available directory was developed in collaboration with the GVH and ARCTEC at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), following the mapping of courses available globally. WHO’s Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases and the WHO Global Malaria Programme have also reviewed the directory and provided recommendations. For each course, session dates, course outline, fees, language of instruction and responsible managers are listed. 
Please contact us anytime if your agency has seasonal positions that may be of interest to undergraduate students in the Pacific Southwest region. Such positions are important formative experiences for students, and they are excellent opportunities to raise awareness of career opportunities in vector-borne diseases. These can be simple job postings that we will advertise to our undergraduates or we can help you partner with faculty for project-based internships that involve academic credit with a faculty mentor and possible continued data analysis during the school year. If you are interested, please send us a note at 
