NEVBD Program News & Updates
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Outreach Resources for Neglected Pathogens in the Northeast
NEVBD collaborators at Cornell University have teamed up with students of public health to draft outreach resources on neglected pathogens affecting communities in our region. These resources are designed to present key information on pathogens with tips and strategies for avoiding bites by infected tick and mosquito vectors. This week, we are sharing an informational pamphlet on Powassan virus. These resources are available open-access through the NEVBD eCommons archive and on our website.
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NEVBD Applied Research Infographics
This week's feature: La Crosse Virus in the Northeast USA. 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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Asian Longhorned Tick: How to Protect Your Livestock and Farm
NEVBD collaborators at Cornell University and the New York State Integrated Pest Management program developed an informational pamphlet for farm owners and workers on the risks of the Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. The pamphlet provides guidance on how famers can protect the health and safety of their livestock and workers. Desponible en español.
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Review of Vector-Borne Disease Communication Resources in the Northeastern USA
NEVBD collaborators at Cornell University completed a cross-sectional review of tick and mosquito-borne disease outreach materials developed and promoted by vector-borne disease programs throughout the northeast region. The goal of this work was to characterize existing outreach resources and identify gaps in content for vector-borne disease educational materials developed for communities in the northeastern US. The recently-published results of this effort are now available on our eCommons archive.
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Research & Collaborations
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Host Tropism in the Lyme Disease System
Host tropism refers to the ability of pathogens to adapt and survive in some host species but not others. The mechanisms behind host tropism are not well understood. A multidisciplinary team of NEVBD collaborators and colleagues from multiple universities assessed host tropism among three different Borrelia species known to cause Lyme disease. They found that these bacteria had different abilities to survive in mice and quail, and in ticks that fed on human or quail blood. These differences were attributed to an inactivating protein that allows bacterial transmission to select vertebrates. Phylogenetic analyses showed that this mechanisms evolved through convergent evolution. Read the full report in PLoS Pathogens.
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Primary Care Clinical Provider Knowledge and Experience in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Tick-Borne Illness
NEVBD collaborators at Cornell University, in partnership with the Cornell MPH Program, recently published results of a small-scale qualitative study on the knowledge and experiences of primary care and emergency/urgent care clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne diseases (TBDs). Clinicians participating in the study experienced uncertainties related to TBD recognition, diagnosis, and patient communication, particularly regarding emerging TBDs in their area, like anaplasmosis. These findings can inform the development of point-of-care resources to aid in patient-provider communication regarding TBDs and inform the development of continuing medical education programs for frontline and primary care providers. Read the full report in BMC 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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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: Tick Collection and Pathogen Testing for Tickborne Disease Surveillance, New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals for the provision of tick-borne disease surveillance to monitor changes in the distribution and abundance of ticks and the presence and prevalence of tick-borne pathogens, statewide, in order to provide actionable, evidence-based information to clinicians, the public and public health policy makers. RFP submission deadline is September 23, 2021.
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Special Issue on the Ecology of Ticks and Their Control
Dr. Kirby Stafford, Dr. Scott Williams, and Dr. Megan Linske are guest editors for a special issue of the journal Insects highlighting key issues related to ticks, including knowledge gaps on tick distribution, ecology, human exposure risk factors, and best practices for management and control. The deadline to submit a manuscript for this special issue is March 20, 2022. Additional information is available on the special issue page.
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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. Additional information available on the special issue page.
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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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Vector-Borne Disease in the News
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American Dog Ticks in the Western US: A Separate Species
The American Dog Tick is a widespread, medically important tick in the US. Populations of this tick are widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains, with few populations found west of the Rockies. A recent study conducted by researchers at Ohio State University looked at both physical and genetic evidence to compare eastern and western populations of this tick. Their integrative taxonomic evaluation concluded that the western populations are actually a different, new species of tick, now named Dermacentor similis. You can read the fully study in the Journal of Medical Entomology.
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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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ESA Received Award to Build, Diversity Public Health Entomology Workforce
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ESA will play a leading role in strengthening the nation’s capacity in public health entomology, thanks to a new $500,000 cooperative agreement awarded by the CDC
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NACCHO Practical Guide to Building Local Mosquito Control Capacity
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A new guide that can help educate, support, and encourage mosquito control programs to be better prepared for future outbreaks
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Employment Opportunities in VBD
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Public Sector Opportunities
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NEW: Mosquito Control Director, County of Volusia, FL
The County of Volusia is seeking an experienced Mosquito Control Director to proactively apply Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to reduce nuisance mosquitoes and the risk of mosquito-borne illness in Volusia County. The preferred candidate must have extensive knowledge of planning, scheduling, and directing mosquito control activities of surveillance, source reduction, and chemical application for mosquitoes and other biting arthropods of public health importance in the State of Florida (preferred). More information available on AMCA Job ID 58357919.
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NEW: Program Manager, Santa Clara Vector Control District
This Program Manager I position is located within the County of Santa Clara’s Vector Control District and will report to the Assistant Manager, Vector Control District. The position is responsible for overseeing and managing specific vector control programs and personnel with the goal of prevention and control of vector-borne diseases and vectors, including vector control operations, disease surveillance, and public education. The incumbent will develop, implement, support, and evaluate District specific and complex programs including conducting studies, data collection, analysis, reporting, and presenting findings. Apply through the County of Santa Clara job board by September 16, 2021.
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NEW: Mosquito and Vector Control Specialist, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District
Under the general direction of the District Manager and Assistant Manager and direct supervision of the Regional Supervisor, during the warmer months the Mosquito and Vector Control Specialist (MVCS) performs vector surveillance, performs vector control operations, and provides public education within the District's service area. The MVCS is assigned a geographic zone and/or specialized functions of a vector control agency, and performs work as required. During the cooler months of the year, the MVCS performs annual maintenance of spray equipment/machines, ATVs, vehicles, and facilities; performs personnel and equipment characterization and calibration; performs and assists with special projects; receives annual training and attends continuing education courses. Please visit the District’s website (www.ButteMosquito.com) or call the District to request an application and current job description.
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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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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 Associate, Rutgers University Center for Vector Biology
The Price Lab within the Department of Entomology / Center for Vector Biology at Rutgers University seeks to fill an open Postdoctoral Associate position specializing in the evolutionary and molecular biology of ixodid ticks to carry out USDA-NIFA funded research focusing on surveillance of ticks and tick-borne disease, and molecular control mechanisms e.g., anti-tick vaccines. Requires a PhD in relevant area of Entomology, Acarology, Ecology, Immunology, or Veterinary Sciences focusing on ticks, tick biology and/or genome-oriented arthropod research. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience spanning two major disciplines: (1) DNA/RNA extraction, handling, processing, next-generation library preparation and sequencing on Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms, associated bioinformatic analyses of sequence data, and (2) basic field techniques for tick collection and surveillance. Interested applicant should apply online at https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/140414.
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NEW: Postdoctoral Fellow in Mosquito-Borne Diseases
A postdoctoral fellow position in mosquito-borne disease epidemiology is available in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics within the School of Public Health at Indiana University - Bloomington. Working under the direct supervision and mentorship of Dr. Marco Ajelli, the focus of the position is to investigate the ecology of mosquito populations vectoring arboviruses and, more broadly, on the epidemiology of mosquito-borne diseases. The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to the analysis of invasive mosquito species vectoring arboviruses. Applications received by 10/1/2021 will received best consideration. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and evaluated via an expedited decision process; the search will remain open until suitable candidates are found. The appointment start date is negotiable on a case-by-case basis and could begin as early as 11/01/2021.
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Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ivermectin Resistance, Texas A&M AgriLife Research
The laboratory of Veterinary Entomology at the Department of Entomology focuses on the development of new pest management tools for livestock systems. Early detection of resistance to pesticides is a crucial step in the development of such tools. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be responsible for the identification of molecular mechanisms related to ivermectin resistance in the cattle fever tick, including identification of target-site insensitivity and detoxification mechanisms, and development of a diagnostic assay. This project is a partnership with the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and the position is available for one year with potential for renewal should funding be available. Additional information available at Texas A&M Workday position R-040393.
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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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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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NEW: NPS Integrated Pest Management Virtual Training Series - Rodent Management
The National Park Service is hosting a virtual training series in September focused on effective rodent management. Upcoming seminars focus on rodent management, rodent-borne disease, and rodent eradication case studies. Register online today and visit the NPS Integrated Pest Management program website to learn about additional webinars planned in October on invasive species.
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2021 Tick Academy - Next Week Sept. 13-15
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 next week September 13-15, 2021. Learn more about the agenda and how to register.
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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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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. Next offering of the course is scheduled to begin in November 2021.
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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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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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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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