Evidence of local extinction and reintroduction of Aedes aegypti in Exeter, California
Established populations of Aedes aegypti, a key vector of several viruses of human health concern, were first found in three California (CA) cities in 2013. From 2013 to April 2021, Ae. aegypti has expanded its range to 308 cities in 22 counties in CA. Population genomic analyses have suggested that multiple genetically distinct Ae. aegypti populations were introduced into CA. However Ae. aegypti collected for the first time in 2014 in the small Central Valley town of Exeter had been genetically distinct from three other genetic clusters found elsewhere in CA. Due to intense control efforts by the Delta Vector Control District (DVCD), Ae. aegypti was thought to have been eliminated from Exeter in 2015. Unfortunately, it was collected again in 2018. It was not clear if the reemergence of Ae. aegypti in Exeter was derived from the bottlenecked remnants of the original 2014 Exeter population or from an independent invasion from a different population derived from surrounding areas. PacVec training grant recipients PhD student Erin "Taylor" Kelly and Dr. Geoffrey Attardo of the University of California, Davis collaborated with vector control partners and other researchers to determine which of these scenarios had occurred. The results support the reintroduction after elimination hypothesis. The source of reintroduction, however, was unexpectedly linked to the southern CA cluster rather than the central CA genetic clusters that were geographically closer to Exeter. The researchers also compared knockdown resistance mutation profiles between the 2014 and 2018 mosquitoes, which showed Exeter 2014 had the lowest number of resistant alleles compared to the other populations. This could have contributed towards DVCD’s ability to eliminate Ae. aegypti locally in 2014 [full article].
West Nile virus activity continues in the Pacific Southwest
Two human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been confirmed in the past few weeks: the first human WNV death of 2021 was confirmed in San Luis Obispo County and another human WNV case was confirmed in Fresno County.
WNV activity continues to increase in the Pacific Southwest. More WNV-positive mosquitoes have been detected in California (Riverside County, Sutter County, and several other counties), Idaho (Canyon County), and Arizona (Pinal County and Maricopa County). Two local mosquito pools have tested positive for St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) in Imperial County, CA. 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.
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.”
Join the Tick IPM Working Group for the second annual Tick Academy! The Tick Academy is for researchers, educators, students, public health professionals, pest control professionals, public-space managers and citizen scientists interested in learning more about what they can do to stop the spread of ticks and tickborne diseases in their communities. Virtual event is scheduled for September 13-15, 2021 (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT).
PacVec held the last spring seminar series this past Tuesday, July 13th. Seminar recordings can be found here: https://pacvec.us/seminar-series/. Our seminar series will resume this fall.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]
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 next offering of the course is scheduled to begin in October 2021.
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.
NEW - Assistant Vector Control Specialist/Vector Control Specialist
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District is currently seeking applicants to fill these positions. Under immediate (Assistant Vector Control Specialist) or general (Vector Control Specialist) supervision, performs inspections and control operations in an assigned field area or specialized functional area; minimizes or removes stagnant water in mosquito breeding sources and treats assigned areas; selects appropriate material and dosage rates and applies pesticide to obtain proper coverage and efficacy; updates operational maps of assigned District areas including properties, ponds, lakes, and other urban and natural features relevant to vector control operations and performs related work as required.
Salary: $31.40 - $40.10 per hour (Assistant Specialist) or $32.99 - $40.10 per hour (Specialist) Location: Santa Fe Springs, CA Application due: 7/29/2021 at 11:59 PM PDT
Napa County Mosquito Abatement District is currently seeking applicants to fill this position. Under general supervision, performs work including inspections and vector control operations including mosquitoes, yellowjackets, rats, mice and other vector and/or nuisance organisms, vegetation management, and other related work and supportive services as required.
Salary: $4,031.00 - $6,103.00 per month Location: American Canyon, CA Application due: Open until filled
The Beach Mosquito Control District is currently seeking applications to fill this 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.
Salary: $17.14 - $28.31 per hour Location: Panama City Beach, FL Application due: Open until 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 - Kelly ET, Brisco KK, Cornel AJ, Lanzaro GC, Attardo GM, Lee Y et al. Evidence of local extinction and reintroduction of Aedes aegypti in Exeter California. Front Trop Dis. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3389/fitd.2021.703873
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
Interested in viewing more articles from PacVec researchers?
Established populations of Aedes aegypti, a key vector of several viruses of human health concern, were first found in three California (CA) cities in 2013. From 2013 to April 2021, Ae. aegypti has expanded its range to 308 cities in 22 counties in CA. Population genomic analyses have suggested that multiple genetically distinct Ae. aegypti populations were introduced into CA. However Ae. aegypti collected for the first time in 2014 in the small Central Valley town of Exeter had been genetically distinct from three other genetic clusters found elsewhere in CA. Due to intense control efforts by the Delta Vector Control District (DVCD), Ae. aegypti was thought to have been eliminated from Exeter in 2015. Unfortunately, it was collected again in 2018. It was not clear if the reemergence of Ae. aegypti in Exeter was derived from the bottlenecked remnants of the original 2014 Exeter population or from an independent invasion from a different population derived from surrounding areas.
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 
