ARS | Publication request: Mosquito and Fly Control Research by the USDA-ARS Center for Medical, Agriculture and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE) in the Deployed War-Fighter Protection (DWFP) Program

Submitted to: California Mosquito and Vector Control Association Proceedings
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: October 15, 2007
Publication Date: November 15, 2007
Citation: Linthicum, K., Allan, S.A., Barnard, D.R., Becnel, J.J., Bernier, U.R., Britch, S.C., Clark, G.G., Cooperband, M.F., Geden, C.J., Hogsette, Jr, J.A., Kline, D.L., Pereira, R.M., Pridgeon, J.W., Quinn, B.P., Reinert, J.F., Welch, C.H., Zhao, L. 2007. Mosquito and Fly Control Research by the USDA-ARS Center for Medical, Agriculture and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE) in the Deployed War-Fighter Protection (DWFP) Program. California Mosquito and Vector Control Association Proceedings.

Interpretive Summary: We summarize contributions by the USDA-ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE) laboratory to the Department of Defense-sponsored Deployed War-Fighter Protection (DWFP) program. The DWFP program seeks to identify and develop new tools for combating pest and disease-carrying vector species that are serious threats to deployed troops. Ongoing research at CMAVE investigates new pesticides, new insect repellents, innovative personal protective measures, and new delivery systems for these beneficial chemicals.

Technical Abstract: Despite existing measures to prevent and control arthropod-borne diseases in military units, these diseases continue to be serious threats to deployed troops. Due to a shrinking list of safe, cost-effective pesticides for control of disease vectors, new and improved toxicants and methods for delivery are needed by the armed forces. Since 2004, the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has participated in the Department of Defense (DOD) - sponsored Deployed War-Fighter Protection (DWFP) program to identify and develop new tools for combating pest and vector species that impact deployed war-fighters. Ongoing research at the USDA-ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE) laboratory involves the discovery, evaluation, development, and optimization of: a) new pesticides effective against mosquitoes and flies; b) new personal protection products effective in preventing mosquito and fly bites, and c) new application and personal protection methodologies and strategies. Products of this research are designed to protect military troops from mosquito and fly borne diseases but will be also be available to International and U.S. Public Health agencies and Mosquito and Vector Control Districts to prevent disease transmission. A summary of the DWFP mosquito control research conducted at the CMAVE will be presented.