NEVBD Program News & Updates
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NEVBD Applied Research Infographics
This week's feature: Climate Change and West Nile Virus Spread in New York and Connecticut. West Nile virus is the most commonly reported mosquito-borne virus that makes people sick in the United States. This infographic summarizes NEVBD-supported research to estimate how the number of human cases of West Nile virus might change under future climate change conditions in New York and Connecticut.
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Upcoming Vector Control Association Meetings in the Northeast
Annual conference season is almost upon us! We are sharing registration details and call for papers announcements for several vector control associations in the northeast.
- Northeastern Mosquito Control Association Annual Meeting, December 6-8, 2021, virtual.
- Virginia Mosquito Control Association Annual Conference, January 25-27, 2022, Newport News. Registration for in-person and virtual now open.
- 47th Annual Conference of the Mid-Atlantic Mosquito Control Association, February 8-10, 2022. More details soon.
- 109th New Jersey Mosquito Control Association Annual Meeting, March 16-18, 2022, Atlantic City. Call for papers now open.
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New and Improved TickApp Website!
The TickApp provides resources on tick identification, safety tips, and updates on tick activity in your area. The collaborative team supporting the TickApp - from both the Midwest Center of Excellence and NEVBD - recently unveiled the new website supporting the program, which features a new interactive map and enhanced features for community engagement!
Join our efforts to make your neighborhood a safer place for you, your family, and your pets! Download The Tick App today to report your tick encounters and to help further our research efforts.
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Research & Collaborations
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Zika Virus Infection and Temperature Modulate the Microbiome in Aedes albopictus
Vector-borne pathogens must survive and replicate in the hostile environment of an insect’s midgut before successful dissemination. Midgut microbiota can interfere with pathogen infection. NEVBD researchers from the Wadsworth Center Arbovirus Laboratory assessed the influence of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and increased temperature on Aedes albopictus midgut microbiota. Authors found that abundance of the midgut bacteria E. anophelis albopictus was reduced at higher temperatures. This particular midgut bacteria is also associated with reduced viral loads of several arboviruses, including ZIKV, in Ae. albopictus. These findings have significant implications for our understanding of the interactions of bacterial and viral agents in mosquitoes, not to mention how climate change could influence these interactions. Read the full report in Parasites & Vectors.
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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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Special Issues in the Journal Insects
Two special issues are currently accepting manuscript submissions in the journal Insects. Dr. Kirby Stafford, Dr. Scott Williams, and Dr. Megan Linske are guest editors for a special issue 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. Dr. Benjamin Cull and Dr. Emma Gillingham are guest editors for a special issue highlighting the application of citizen science in vector surveillance. Manuscripts for this special issue should be submitted by March 31, 2022.
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Special Issue: Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases: Persistent and Emerging Threats to Human Health
Guest editors Dr. Tammi Johnson and Dr. Adela Oliva Chavez are supporting a special issue in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlighting research that sheds light on tick and pathogen distribution, epidemiology, disease pathogenesis, vector biology, alternatives for disease prevention, integrated tick management, and the role of wildlife hosts in maintaining urban and enzootic disease cycles. Manuscripts for this special issue should be submitted by January 31, 2022.
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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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ESA Partners with CDC for Internship, Fellowship Program
ESA has launched Public Health Entomology for All, an internship and fellowship program for students and recent graduates from minority-serving institutions (MSIs). In partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ESA will offer internships to six MSI undergraduate students for the summer of 2022. In addition, ESA and CDC will offer two 12-month fellowships for recent graduates of an MSI. The programs aim to address the intersection of entomology, vector borne disease, and health equity. Learn more about Public Health Entomology for All, register for an informational webinar, and share this flyer to spread the word.
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Southwest Virginia Environment and Ability of Three Tick Species to Overwinter in the Region
A tick’s ability to survive in cold, harsh winter conditions is influenced by numerous factors including the tick species, the variability in temperature, and the suitability of the overwintering habitat (containing insulation to retain heat). Authors from Virginia Tech investigated the influence of elevation and insulation coverage on the survivability of three newly invading ticks, Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma maculatum, and Haemaphysalis longicornis. They found that life stage was the only determining factor in survival for Haemaphysalis longicornis and Amblyomma americanum, whereas, Amblyomma maculatum survival was largely influenced by insulation coverage. Read the full article in Insects.
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Fighting West Nile Virus by Adding Ivermectin to Backyard Bird Feeders
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Researchers at the UC Davis presented evidence at the ASTMH Annual Meeting that adding ivermectin to backyard bird feeders has a potential to reduce local transmission of WNV
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Abstract Submission Open for NACCHO 360 Conference
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The abstract submission period is now open for the 2022 NACCHO 360 Conference, to be held virtually and in-person July 19–22, 2022
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Employment Opportunities in VBD
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Public Sector Opportunities
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NEW: Biologist, Clark County Mosquito Control District
The Clark County Mosquito Control District is seeking applications to fill this position, a biologist that will oversee the implementation of the District’s drone program and be involved in all the aspects of the mosquito vector surveillance and operations programs. The biologist will be part of research projects (internal or collaborations) and will apply pesticides, as needed, for mosquito control activities utilizing available application techniques/equipment. Work is performed under the supervision of the District Manager. Applications are due December 10, 2021. Learn more.
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NEW: Education Program Coordinator, Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District is seeking applications to fill this position. Under direction, coordinates and delivers the District’s youth and student education programs as an instructor; provides educational programs both in the classroom and via the District’s mobile education unit; drives and operates the mobile education unit to school sites and outreach events throughout Los Angeles County; develops curriculum material for classroom activities; provides support for departmental outreach efforts; and performs related work as required. Applications due December 9, 2021. Learn more.
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NEW: Several Positions Open with Broward County, FL Mosquito Control
The Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division (HBMD) is seeking highly qualified candidates for the following positions:
- Senior Program/Project Coordinator: this position functions as primary backup for the Mosquito Control Section Manager and oversees County-wide mosquito control surveillance and spraying programs
- Natural Resources Specialist: the ideal candidate will have knowledge of the principles, practices, theories and regulations related to Mosquito Control and pesticides, as well as the means, methods and techniques of data collection and the ability to read and interpret scientific reports, studies and recommendations and to apply them to the County operations
- Mosquito Control Inspector: incumbent is responsible for mosquito control and surveillance activities to aid the County's larvicide and adulticide programs
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Mosquito Control Entomologist, Charleston SC
Charleston County Public Works Department is looking for a highly motivated, qualified individual to join our team as a Mosquito Control Entomologist. We provide comprehensive services for the entire County ( 1,353 square miles) using several diverse methods including aerial and ground surveillance and abatement via helicopter and truck mounted spray vehicles, as well as public education and awareness. Minimum requirements Bachelor's Degree in Biology or Public Health related field preferred, supplemented with one or more years of Mosquito Control or related activities. Applications due January 2, 2022.
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Public Education Specialist, Pasco County Mosquito Control District
The position of Public Education Specialist, along with the Public Education and Information Officer, is responsible for carrying out the public outreach and educational programs for the District. Essential duties include assisting to develop, organize, and coordinate public education programs about prevention and control of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases for a variety of audience types. Must have a Bachelor’s degree, preferably with a focus on the biological sciences, education, OR communications. 3 years’ experience working for a mosquito control program could be substitutes in lieu of degree. Learn more.
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Assistant Professor, Risk Assessment & Environmental Protection
The University of Maryland, College Park anticipates filling one Assistant Professor position beginning August 2022. We seek candidates working in areas complementary to pesticide safety and risk assessment, including but not restricted to traditional, organic, and genetically engineered pest controls, their ecological and evolutionary impacts, regulatory issues, human health and socioeconomic effects, or related topics. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous research program, teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, maintain a strong extension program as the State of Maryland’s Pesticide Safety Education Coordinator, and other faculty duties. Applications due December 12, 2022.
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Assistant Professor of Entomology - Global Public Health
This is a tenure-track appointment as an Assistant Professor of Entomology with a specialization in global public health. The incumbent faculty member will have primary responsibility for developing a nationally recognized, extramurally funded research program focused on issues of national and global One Health importance in vector-borne disease with an emphasis on new discoveries and methodologies that have the potential for significant positive impacts on the scientific discipline and/or have economic/public health value to end-user groups. This 9-month appointment has job expectations in Research, Teaching and Service with an anticipated 60%, 30% and 10% distribution of effort, respectively. Review of applications will begin 14 January 2022 and continue until the position is filled. Learn more.
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Assistant Professor, Vector-Borne Disease, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is currently searching for a tenure track, assistant professor position for someone who does research in vector borne diseases. The ideal candidate will conduct research areas of surveillance or diagnostics, disease transmission, pathogen/vector/host dynamics, or general virology/ microbiology of vector-borne diseases. Strong molecular skills are preferred. Ph.D. in Biology, Entomology, or related field, and postdoctoral experience are required. Apply through UTRGV jobs posting FRGV1228 by December 15, 2021.
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University of Idaho Faculty Cluster Hire in Modeling and Data Science
We are pleased to announce a Faculty Cluster Hire in Modeling and Data Science. The University of Idaho will add up to six faculty at the assistant or associate level. We are looking for outstanding researchers who use diverse modeling skills to address public health challenges along the continuum from pathogen dynamics at the human-wildlife interface, to emerging disease prediction and prevention, to rural health disparities. For further information or to apply, see https://clusterhire.nkn.uidaho.edu/.
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Postdoctoral / Fellowship Opportunities
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Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Columbia University Diuk-Wasser Lab
A postdoctoral position is available in Maria Diuk-Wasser’s lab in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology (E3B), Columbia University, in collaboration with the Columbia International Research Institute for Climate and Society. The applicant will join research projects newly funded by the Department of Defense, NSF and the CDC, and will become part of the NEVBD program. The postdoctoral research scientist will develop predictive models for the presence and abundance of mosquito and tick vectors and their associated pathogens. Areas of emphasis include simulation modeling to identify optimal deployment of individual and integrated tick management approaches currently being investigated in NEVBD, modeling the population dynamics and spatial patterns of spread of mosquito and tick-borne pathogens and ensemble modeling of climate impacts on tick and mosquito-borne diseases. The modeling platforms developed will enhance surveillance and the institutional response capacity for real-time impact on vector-borne disease management. Applicants should have a PhD in ecology, epidemiology, applied mathematics, statistics, climate sciences or a related quantitative field. Applications open until position is filled.
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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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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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Training Opportunities in VBD
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NEW: History of Typhus in the United States
The Southern California Regional Working Group on Flea-borne Typhus invites you to an enlightening discussion on the history of typhus in the United States with Dr. Gregory Anstead, University of Texas Health San Antonio, on Thursday, December 9 at 2:00-3:30PM PT / 5:00-6:00PM ET. Access papers and zoom information in the event flyer.
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AMCA Webinars of Mosquito Control
AMCA is offering two upcoming webinars on mosquito control topics. Registration fees apply.
- December 9, 2021 1:00-2:00pm ET - Reducing the Environmental Damage Caused by Mosquito Control Pesticides
- January 8, 2022 12:00-1:00pm ET - Sterile Insect Technique for Aedes aegypti Control in Florida: A Tale of Two Programs
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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 Education for a variety of public health, animal health, and human health professionals. Next ZOHU call is scheduled for 1 December 2021, featuring a presentation of building a comprehensive approach in CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health to address the health effects of climate change.
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Climate Change and Emerging Infectious Diseases Seminar Series
The University at Albany and Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health are hosting the next iteration of the Climate Change and Emerging Infectious Diseases Seminar Series. Seminars will be held monthly from October 2021 to March 2022 on a variety of topics related to the impact of climate change on infectious diseases, including vector-borne diseases. Review this flyer for more information on the schedule and access to the Zoom details. Next seminar will be held 20 January 2022.
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NEW: 2022 Dodd Introduction to Mosquito Control Course Fellowship
The Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases is offering a fellowship opportunity for students and early career professionals to attend the FMCA’s Virtual Dodd Short Courses – Introduction to Mosquito Control course for free. Applicants will need to complete the online form (here) by December 17th, 2021 and will be notified of their status the week of January 10th, 2022. Although the course is hosted by the Florida Mosquito Control Association, the course is virtual, so applicants do not need to reside in or travel to Florida to attend.
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ESA Launches IPM Certificate Program
Pest management professionals can jumpstart their careers through the Certified Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Technician credential from the Entomological Society of America Certification Corp. Designed for professionals with less than five years’ experience in pest management, the Certified IPM Technician (CIT) credential demonstrates a foundational skillset and commitment to the IPM principles and practices. Applications for the credential are now being accepted by the ESA Certification Corp.
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2022 Biology of Vector-Borne Diseases Course, UIdaho
The Institute for Health in the Human Ecosystem hosts the annual Biology of Vector-borne Diseases six-day course. The fourth annual Biology of Vector-borne Disease course is scheduled for Monday through Saturday, June 13-18, 2022. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance and invited to register for the course. The course registration fee (USD $1,500) includes housing, meals, course materials and social activities. Learn more.
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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 5 January 2022.
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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 2 February 2022.
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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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