NEVBD Program News & Updates
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Results of New York State Tick Blitz Now Available!
NEVBD and New York State IPM are excited to share the results of the 2021 New York State Tick Blitz! You can now access an interactive map showing results from zip codes where our group of citizen scientist volunteers collect ticks in June 2021. Visit our Tick Blitz website to see the results!
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NEVBD Applied Research Infographics
This week's feature: Lone Star Tick Able to Survive Winters in the Northeast as Temperatures Rise. NEVBD collaborators at Cornell University have partnered with students in the Global and Public Health Sciences program to develop accessible summaries of our applied research findings on important components of vector biology, surveillance and control. Join us each newsletter as we highlight these stories!
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Life Cycle of the Blacklegged Tick - Bookmark Now Available in Spanish
NEVBD collaborators at Cornell University and the New York State Integrated Pest Management program developed an infographic bookmark describing the life cycle of the blacklegged tick, including what times of year each life stage of this tick is most active as a public health risk. This infographic is now also available in Spanish!
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Research & Collaborations
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First Report of Invasive Tick Haemaphysalis punctata in United States
NEVBD collaborators at Columbia University and University of Pittsburg report the discovery and establishment of the red sheep tick (Haemaphysalis punctata) for the first time in the western hemisphere and the US. This tick was collected continuously on Block Island, Rhode Island, from 2010 to 2020. Authors also report the first detection of the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) in Rhode Island and present data on the range expansion and establishment of the lone star tick and rabbit tick on Block Island. Read the full report in Parasites & Vectors.
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Four Human Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Connecticut During Larger Regional Outbreak, 2019
NEVBD collaborators at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and Yale University have collaborated with Medscape to published a summary of four human cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus in Connecticut during the 2019 outbreak, which is available as a continuing medical education (CME) activity. All four human cases we geographically clustered in the state, rapidly progressive, and neurologically devastating. Crucial diagnostic challenges, clinical findings, and epidemiologic patterns revealed in this outbreak can inform future public health and clinical practice. Access the report and CME activity in Emerging Infectious Diseases.
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You can access publications from NEVBD-supported applied research by visiting the newly updated Research and Publications pages on our website!
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Collaboration Opportunities
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Update: Support for CDC Tick Surveillance Activities
The Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is partnering with various national and international universities and public health agencies to develop a robust, protein-based platform for identification and characterization of tick species of medical & veterinary importance, with applications for surveillance and scientific activities in the United States and other countries in the Western Hemisphere. Thanks to all who have provided ticks thus far!
The Branch is currently seeking additional collaborators to provide recently-collected (2018 to present), field-caught specimens of all feeding life stages of: Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma maculatum, Dermacentor variabilis, Dermacentor andersoni, Dermacentor occidentalis, and Ixodes scapularis. Specimens should be preserved in 70-95% ethanol and stored at room temperature since the time of collection. Ideally, at least 10 specimens from each geographical location in the US are requested. If you have questions or can assist with this project, please contact Maria Galletti (myu8@cdc.gov), Joy Hecht (ynw5@cdc.gov), or Chris Paddock (cdp9@cdc.gov) for more information.
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Call for Members: Students of Acarology Group, Acarological Society of America
Students of Acarology (SOA) is seeking to expand its membership among undergraduates, post-bacs, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers. The benefits of membership in SOA include student travel and presentation awards, leadership opportunities, research highlights, and networking opportunities. Contact Carrie De Jesus (SOA Liaison) to learn more or join. SOA is supported through the Acarological Society of America.
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Special Issue on Citizen Science Approaches to Vector Surveillance
Dr. Benjamin Cull (cull0122@umn.edu) and Dr. Emma Gillingham (emma.gillingham@phe.gov.uk) are putting together an article collection in Insects aiming to highlight the application of citizen science in vector surveillance, including the use of targeted citizen science projects, smartphone apps, social media, online databases, and other passive surveillance methods for the collection of vector data. Research showcasing integration of citizen science into existing surveillance programs, comparison of passive and active surveillance data, or reviews on this topic are welcome. Contact Dr. Cull and Dr. Gillingham with questions on how to contribute.
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Vector-Borne Disease in the News
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A Practical Guide to Building Local Mosquito Control Capacity, NACCHO
The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), supported by the efforts of NACCHO’s Vector Control Workgroup and sponsored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, released a resource to provide guidance to local mosquito control programs, whether they are establishing a surveillance and control program for the first time or considering building on their current capacity. The guide can help educate, support, and encourage programs to be better prepared for future outbreaks. It is also a tool that programs can use to foster and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and the public to inform them of the risks of vector-borne disease and help them better protect themselves.
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ESA Advocacy Week Starts Today - August 16, 2021!
ESA Advocacy Week starts August 16, 2021! This is your chance to get engaged and advocate for the science of entomology. In this modern era, it is the responsibility of all scientists to advocate for their discipline. Daily Action Alerts will go out with suggested tweets, live and interactive content to join, and other opportunities to make your voice heard. Many ESA members already engage in outreach activities throughout the year. Entomology Advocacy Week is a concentrated effort to target policymakers with science that matters so that evidence-based decision-making becomes the norm at all levels of government. Learn more about how you can participate at https://www.entsoc.org/sci-pol/advocacy-week.
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Active Forest Management Linked to Reduced Tick Populations
A team of researchers from the University of Maine led a study of tick blacklegged tick populations in recently harvested and unharvested forest plots to better understand how forest management affects nymphal tick abundance. The team found that recent timber harvesting reduced the presence of nymphal ticks and the density of adult ticks. They also found that microclimate conditions of the forest understory may reduce tick survival and host-seeking behavior in areas with recent harvests. You can read results from the full study in EcoHealth.
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Download the TickApp Today!
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The TickApp provides resources on tick identification, safety tips, and updates on tick activity in your area.
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WRBU VectorMap Data Portal
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The newly redesigned VectorMap Data Portal from the Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit is now available!
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USA FDA Approves Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
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Pfizer Inc. announces US Food and Drug Administration approval of TICOVAC™ (tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine) for active immunization to prevent TBE in individuals 1 year of age and older.
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Employment Opportunities in VBD
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Public Sector Opportunities
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NEW: Green Shield Certified® Evaluator, IPM Institute of North America
The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Institute of North America seeks an evaluator to audit Green Shield Certified® pest control companies in the New York metro area. If you are familiar with regulations and policies impacting pest management and are able to identify common structural pest problems, we’d love to hear from you. Your on-boarding experience includes one-on-one training with Dr. Thomas Green, a world-renown entomologist, IPM expert and co-founder and president of the IPM Institute. More information available on the IPM Institute of North America website.
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Senior Epidemiologist, CDC Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections
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. To apply, send a statement of interest and current curriculum vitae to mfischer@cdc.gov. Additional information available here.
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Entomology/Biology Assistant, Beach Mosquito Control District (FL)
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. Position open until filled. Application details available here.
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Lab Manager, Prokopec Lab, Emory University
The Vazquez-Prokopec Lab at Emory University seek an outstanding and highly motivated individual to join us as a lab manager. The Lab manager will be responsible for performing and managing research activities focusing on the ecology and epidemiology of vector-borne diseases. Activities are a mix of field, laboratory and computer work. Primary responsibilities include direction of daily lab operations, mosquito colony maintenance, and field work to collect mosquitoes and ticks. Minimum qualifications include bachelor or master degree in biology/entomology or public health. Full position description and application instructions available here. The start date is negotiable, with a target of September 1, 2021.
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Research Associate, SUNY Upstate Medical University
The Thangamani Lab at SUNY Upstate Medical University is seeking 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). 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.
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Associate or Full Professor, SUNY Center for Vector-Borne Diseases
State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University seeks an internationally recognized expert in tick-borne diseases to apply for an Associate or Full Professor of Empire Innovation position (EIP). The successful candidate will join a growing team of collaborative and interdisciplinary infectious disease researchers within the newly established SUNY Center for Vector-Borne Diseases. This position offers a highly competitive hard-money state-line salaries and generous start-up package. Visit the SUNY Upstate job board position 61417 to learn more about this position and how to apply.
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Postdoctoral / Fellowship Opportunities
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NEW: Postdoctoral Research Position in Lyme Disease Dynamics, Dartmouth College
The Applied Hydroclimatology Group in the Department of Geography at Dartmouth College is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to explore historical and future changes in Lyme disease across the northeastern United States. The successful applicant will develop and apply models of tick dynamics and Lyme disease prevalence to analyze the causes of historical Lyme disease expansion and predict future Lyme disease incidence for the northeastern United States, with a focus on the role of climate and land cover. While based at Dartmouth, this position is part of a collaborative project with the University of Idaho and University of Nevada, Reno to better understand established and emerging tick-borne disease across the United States (https://tickbase.net/). Additional details on the position and application instructions available at https://apply.interfolio.com/91311. Applications due September 15, 2021.
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Postdoctoral Researcher Position, UC-Irvine
The Program in Public Health at the University of California-Irvine seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to study population genetics and genomics of mosquitoes or malaria parasites in the laboratory of Dr. Guiyun Yan. Areas of particular interests include population genetics and genomics, bioinformatics, and genomic epidemiology. Candidates must have a PhD and should have a strong background in one of the following areas: population genetics, genomics, molecular evolution, and bioinformatics. Interested applicant should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of past accomplishment and contact information of at least 3 references by email to: guiyuny@uci.edu. Full position description available here.
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Lyme Disease Innovation Fellowship
The Department of Health and Human Services is leading a series of prize challenges, workshops, and research projects aimed at advancing new diagnostic technologies for Lyme disease and building capabilities for applying these approaches to other tick- and vector-borne disease. Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant will provide scientific and technical support in Lyme disease and other vector-borne disease research while being exposed to scientific public-private partnership development and strategy, federal interagency health strategy development, and application of novel Open Innovation approaches to addressing health challenges in government, among others. Applications due August 19, 2021.
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Postdoctoral Vector Ecologist / Medical Entomologist, Emory University
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.
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Vector Biology ORISE Fellow, U.S. Air Force
This one-year ORISE fellowship will conduct a tick threat assessment at U.S. air bases. The fellow will investigate tick species presence, distribution and density at up to 8 Air Force Bases (TBD) in the United States. Activities will include: environmental surveillance, mammal and bird sampling, laboratory methods for pathogen detection, among others. Qualifications include a master degree in Vector Biology, Entomology, Medical or Veterinary Entomology, or a related field, OR a combination of education and experience that prepares the applicant for the opportunity. Apply through Zintellect reference code AFSAM-2021-0001R.
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Postdoctoral Position, Texas A&M
A postdoctoral position is available in Gabriel Hamer’s Lab in the Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University. The successful candidate will contribute to one or more research projects including 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
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Postdoctoral Fellow, SUNY Upstate Medical University
The Thangamani Lab at SUNY Upstate Medical University is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to investigate the biology of arbovirus transmission at the vector-host-virus interface. The ideal candidate will use molecular, immunological and imaging methods. Individual with demonstrated experience in viral immunology and imaging is preferred. Enthusiastic individual should also have: (1) strong interest in the lab's research; (2) willingness to work with BSL-3 agents within BSL-3/ABSL-3/ACL-3 laboratories; and (3) possess strong verbal/written communication &organizational skills. For additional information or an informal discussion, contact Dr. Saravanan Thangamani at thangams@upstate.edu.
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Training Opportunities in VBD
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HAPPENING NOW: 7th International Forum for Surveillance and Control of Mosquitoes & Vector-Borne Diseases
Welcome to join the 7th International Forum for Surveillance and Control of Mosquitoes & Vector-borne Diseases (virtual), August 15-18, 2021. The meeting is free open access. The zoom link information for each session is listed in the event program. All presentations will be in English only.
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NEW: Virtual Vector Biology Seminar Series (V)
The Virtual Vector Biology Seminar Series (V) is back with another exciting line-up of speakers starting on August 27th! Speakers from different career stages will cover topics related to ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and culicoides. All talks are scheduled on Fridays from August 27 to November 19, 2021, at 1pm ET. The full series agenda is available here, and you can register online.
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2021 Tick Academy
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. Learn more about the agenda and how to register.
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NEW: Biology of Mosquitoes, Ticks, and other Disease-Causing Arthropods - Online Certificate Course
This new online certificate course offered through eCornell explores the fascinating biology, behaviors, and disease-transmission processes of a range of organisms, with special emphasis on the most important groups, including ticks and mosquitoes. This course provides an excellent foundation for understanding medical and public health entomology and disease control. The first course starts September 1, 2021. Enroll by August 31 with promo code INTRO50 to save $50. Additional discounts may be available.
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Online Training in Vector Surveillance
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 Dr. Sarah Michaels 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.
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Online Tick Training Course
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 today!
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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. For each course, session dates, course outline, fees, language of instruction and responsible managers are listed.
Further information: https://www.who.int/tdr/news/2020/new-resource-for-building-medical-entomology-capacity/en/
To access the directory, please follow this link (we kindly ask you to register on GVH): https://globalvectorhub.lshtm.ac.uk/courses
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Do you have a news story, job announcement, or other update that we should know about? Please send us a link for inclusion in future newsletters at at nevbd@cornell.edu!
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The Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases is supported through Cooperative Agreement Number 1U01CK000509-01 between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Cornell University.
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