Mission

The Center for Vector Biology focuses on mosquitoes and other insects in New Jersey that affect public health and influence the economy of the state. The Center's entomologists and other scientists are conducting basic and applied research to better understand and address these pressing societal issues.

Role

The Center for Vector Biology investigates the life histories and habits of insects that transmit disease, as well as best management practices for controlling them. It provides county and state professionals with science-based recommendations for controlling mosquitoes and other potential disease vectors. The Center also provides New Jersey residents with accurate and environmentally sound information on issues of pest management related to human health.

Benefits

The Center's surveillance of mosquitoes that carry Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus is credited with helping to reduce the number of human and equine cases of these diseases. As the Center proactively develops and disseminates new knowledge about best management practices of other health-threatening insects, residents will reap the benefits of environmentally safe pest control.

Various industries, such as tourism and agriculture, will be better protected against economic losses from insect vectors and the diseases they transmit. The protection of residents against disease will avert health care expenses both for indiciduals and the state. As Center scientists develop collaborations with other scientists around the world, these benefits will also be felt beyond New Jersey.

History

The Center was established within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University in 2007. Nevertheless, the program has a long and illustrious history rooted in vector biology and control. Rutgers Professor John B. Smith's seminal book on mosquitoes in 1902 heavily influenced research and control programs worldwide. Smith's legacy was pioneering legislation passed by the New Jersey legislature in 1906 and 1912 that led to a broad program of mosquito control throughout the state, laws that were widely emulated nationally and continue to govern mosquito control activities. Following Smith, the Mosquito Research Unit was formed and led by in turn by Professors Thomas Headlee, Daniel Jobbins, Bailey Pepper, Donald Sutherland, and Wayne Crans. The unit established a strong tradition of working closely with New Jersey vector control professionals that continues today. We foster and seek to act as a focal point for multidisciplinary cooperation with a range of diverse public health personnel in county, state, and university units possessing interest in vectors and pathogens of public health importance.