Annual/Termination Reports:

[06/11/2015] [12/31/2016] [12/31/2017] [05/19/2018] [06/05/2019]

Report Information

Participants

Dan Kline; James Becnel; Ted Andreadis; Jim Cilek; Jonathan Oliver;
Graham White; Jason Richardson; Alden Estep; Stephen Dobson; Catalina
Alfonso; Dan Strickman; Dina Fonseca; Paul Leisnham; Rajeev Vaidyanathan;

By Phone;
Jason Rasgon; Philip Armstrong; Vida Irani; Goudarz Molaei; Brian
Federici; Gabe Hamer; Laura Harrington

Brief Summary of Minutes

Opening:

Administrative Advisor’s Comments: Dr. Andreadis stated the importance of interdependently interacting with other states, developing concrete collaborative projects.

Dr. Andreadis reminded participants that it is important to formally sign up at the NIMSS site. Participants can include industrial, government and university participants.

Projects are to have one meeting per year. Typically meetings last 1.5 days. Meeting minutes are posted (send to Ruby). An annual report is due within 60 days of the meeting, which includes impact statements.

It is important that project-funded research is acknowledged in the resulting publications.

Based on availability of researchers on phone, we started with sequential discussion of Aims 3, 2, 1, 4 and 5.

Aim 3: Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti, with a focus on surveillance, range expansion, ecology, genetics, climate change and disease risk.

Discussion included Laura Harrington’s points of Ae. Albopictus range expansion, modeling ChikV in the USA, and potential interventions. Dina Fonseca and Peter Armbruster are working on evolutionary effects of temperature and models of insecticide intervention.

Action Items: A suggestion was made that an Aim 3 goal might be to develop a Fact Sheet. Other action items are: email lists and Aim 3-focused conference calls.

Aim 2: Integrated tick management and community-centered approaches, including understanding the biology and ecology of novel and emerging tick-borne pathogens.

Discussion-novel pathogens, high throughput assays (metagenomics technology, microbiome work), climate change effect on tick distribution, mammalian hosts, variation across time and space, role of national zoo and identification of ticks, presence of filarial nematodes in ticks which are tick specific.

Need to address variation in the system and variation in technique. The group focused on coming up with a standardized method to analyze prevalence of pathogens.

There is interest in EEE virus. Discussion included Culiseta melanura is involved in transmission to humans.

Action items: Standardized Detection Methods-materials for screening and extraction methods. Once done, publish it to the research community. Jason Rasgon will send an email out to the Obj 2 group.

Aim 1: Development of parasitic and arthropod catalogue/resources.

Discussion-USDA labs in Gainesville, Manhattan for resources, working panel at NIH to set up centralized NIH-funded resources for livestock, vets, non-human diseases, post colony info on web, nominal price for eggs/larvae, shipping via FEDEX needs permits.

Availability of tick cell lines, strains and transformants of Anaplasma and Babesia could be requested from Dr. Ulrike Munderloh’s MN lab acc. to her postdoc researcher, Dr. Jonathan Oliver.

Aim leaders communicating with the BEI resource center.

Action items: None identified.

Aim 4: New Control Tools, including socio-ecological approaches.

Discussion of developing a catalog of control tools, discussion on Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), thermal foggers vs larvacides, deliverable item-novel application technology, biological control of ticks, nootkatone for tick controls.

Action items: None identified.

Aim 5: Training and training tools.

Discussion of developing a training tool to train next generation of techs/entomologists, online M.S. courses on med entomology (Univ of Nebraska), target audiences should be Ph.D. postdocs and Abatement districts, good statewide mosquito control in FL and NJ compared to CA, use of technology (3D printer models of mosquitoes for educational purposes), catalog/distribute stuff online, identify and improve better strategies for education, peer review of courses. One member stated: we will be better prepared next year to answer/background research for Obj 5. Another suggestion was to rather develop a brand new course, first make people aware of current ongoing courses, and then possibly develop online offerings.

Action items: Compile a list of current training course, including their locations, foci etc. Paul Leisnham will set up an editable cloud document for people to add information.

Discussion of Leadership for 2015-2016, Chair and Objective Leaders.

Dr. Andreadis stated that for continuum from administrative standpoint, Chair leadership should be for 2 years. Dr. Dobson was re-elected Chair. There will be a discussion at next year’s meeting for next chairmanship and we should have a nomination next year before the annual meeting.

Discussion of 2016 Annual Meeting site, dates, venue and agenda.

AMCA next year in Savannah, GA. Important to get people to participate at a day-day and half meeting. We will investigate holding the annual meeting at the Anastasia Mosquito Control District facility at St. Augustine, FL (host Dr. Rui-De Xue). Maybe have outdoor field trips, plenary speaker, use Dropbox for contact and general information.

Meeting adjourned at 5pm.

Special Thanks to Dan Strickman and Vida Irani for recording minutes of the meeting!

Accomplishments

<p><b>Aim 1</b><br /> <p>The aim of this project is to support and promote available resources such as the BEI Resources established by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for human pathogens and to identify alternative sources for vector resources beyond those found in BEI. The main objective is to support, promote, and enlarge the BEI resource for pathogens and vectors of human disease to include the identification and development of alternative resources that can be used to facilitate the study of arthropod vectors and arthropod-borne zoonotic disease agents of human and animal health importance. <br /> <p>During the first year of this effort, discussions have been held with Dr. Shirley Luckhart and Dr. Adriana Costerno of BEI resources to identify areas of collaboration and agriculturally important resources not supported by BEI. An initial catalogue of agriculturally important vector resources has been compiled to include more than 70 strains of mosquitoes, mosquito cell lines, muscoid flies, sand flies, sand fly cell lines, culicoides and culicoides cell lines, ticks and tick cell lines. Each listing contains detailed information on each strain such as origins, contributors, availability etc. Contributing institutions included USDA-ARS (Gainesville FL; Kerrville TX, Manhattan KS) and the University of Minnesota (Munderloh & Kurtti). Information from additional institutions will be solicited and added to the catalogue over the next year.<br /> <br /> <p><b>Aim 2</b><br /> <p>There is an urgent need for standardization of testing methods for tick-borne pathogens including, <i>Borrelia burdurferi</i> (Lyme disease or Borreliosis agent), <i>Babesia microti</i> (Babesiosis agent), and <i>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</i> (Anaplasmosis agent) in ticks. This is particularly important for comparing results of studies conducted in various regions, for better understanding of the epidemiology of tick-associated diseases, for assessing the efficacy of tick control measures in reducing tick abundance and prevalence of infection with pathogens, and for evaluating and reviewing scientific works and technical reports. Multiple collaborative efforts were proposed regarding Aim 2. These include:<br /> <br /> <ol><li>Some contributors mentioned that they had difficulty in preserving the quality of extracted tick DNA for later diagnostic tests. This led to a discussion of establishing standardized protocols for tick extraction and common pathogen PCR protocols. It can be difficult for new experimenters to determine what published protocols will work accurately and consistently. Having standardized protocols established which are known to work consistently may produce more reliable results in this field. In our experience, we find the Qiagen Blood and Tissue DNA extraction kits together with pre-washing and dissecting ticks produces DNA that does not rapidly degrade. In the future, we are willing to contribute a consolidated list of the primer sets and thermocycler recipes our laboratory uses for detection of tick-borne pathogens.<br /> It was discussed that 2-3 labs could be identified to evaluate and compare some of the commonly used methods in tick testing, and identify few methods that are reliable and produce comparable results. Findings of this effort could be presented to the CDC and other related agencies and published as a guideline for researchers and public health agencies.<br /> <br /> <li>Dr. Goudarz Molaei of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station demonstrated interest in acquiring some of our tick cell lines and pathogen strains. Follow-up telephone and email conversation have continued to solidify this exchange of materials.<br /> <br /> <li>Overlapping with Aim 1, we provided Jimmy Becnel with a list of the tick cell lines we have made available to other researchers. This is for his compilation of resources available for arthropod-borne disease of veterinary significance. It was decided that actual pathogenic organisms would not be included in this list at this time, but may be added later. </ol><br /> <br /> <br /> <p><b>Aim 3</b><br /> <p>Members have held several discussions to further develop collaborative projects for Objective 3. The group will begin with the development of a simulation model for chikungunya virus outbreaks transmitted by <i>Ae. Aegypti</i> and <i>Ae. Albopictus</i> and public health interventions in the USA. In addition, work is planned on evolutionary effects of temperature and models of insecticide interventions on <i>Ae. Albopictus</i>. Collaborators on this objective also plan to develop of a fact sheet on these two important disease vectors. <br /> <p>At MSU (M. Kaufman), participants continued their monitoring of mosquito-associated arboviruses in Michigan during June – September of 2014. Over 3,000 pools of mosquitoes collected from different areas in lower Michigan were assessed for the presence of West Nile virus (WNV), St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), or La Crosse Encephalitis (LAC) using RT-PCR techniques. Based on targeted surveillance for WNV vectors, most tested pools (~2500) were Culex spp. (<i>Cx. Restuans</i> and <i>Cx. Pipiens</i>). Approximately 170 pools of <i>Coquillettidia perturbans</i> were tested for EEE, and ca 560 pools of <i>Aedes triseriatus</i> and <i>Ae. Japonicas</i> were tested for LAC. Even though only a few human or animal cases of WNV or EEE were reported in Michigan in 2014, and no cases of SLE or LAC, WNV was found in 7 pools of Culex spp. and LAC was found in one pool of <i>Ae. Triseriatus</i>. We consider these data important baseline information in years of low human disease activity and will continue to monitor these areas on a yearly basis as well as expand surveillance throughout Michigan in order to better predict arboviral disease incidence and to help dictate mosquito control activities.<br /> <br /> <p><b>Aim 4</b><br /> <p>A broad based approach to new toxicant discovery includes screening of compounds derived from natural products and evaluation of registered compounds for mosquitocidal activity. In addition, we are exploring gene silencing using RNAi technology as a method to knock down critical proteins in adult and larval mosquitoes with possible applications for control. (Becnel, Estep ARS-Gainesville, Fl).<br /> <p>Microsporidian parasites are known to infect many mosquitoes worldwide, but fundamental knowledge on the genomes of mosquito microsporidia and host-pathogen interactions are poorly known. Researchers at ARS in Gainesville together with collaborators at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge have conducted genomic and deep sequencing investigations and analysis on the genomes of two species of microsporidia (<i>Edhazardia aedis</i> and <i>Vavraia culicis</i>) and the mosquito immune response to infection. This analysis illuminates fundamentally different evolutionary paths and host interplay of specialist and generalist pathogens. The new information obtained here contributes to our basic understanding on the organization of the genomes of these parasites and will be incorporated into the Eukaryotic Pathogen Database Resource EupathDB (http://eupathdb.org/eupathdb/) and specifically the Microsporidia Genome Resource MicrosporidiaDB (http://microsporidiadb.org/micro/). (Becnel, ARS-Gainesville, Fl).<br /> <br /> <p><b>Aim 5</b> <br /> <p>The development of effective training approaches and tools will help equip an interactive network of young entomologists and technicians to manage vector-borne disease outbreaks now and in the future. This project has started to compile a comprehensive nationwide database of existing courses and tools related to mosquito and tick vectors. This database will elucidate educational strengths and weakness across the field, and identify specific areas for future activities and tool development. It will encourage constructive peer review of courses, as well as identify and improve better strategies for education and outreach. The project team anticipates the need to train vector-control professionals and students at incorporating rapidly moving technology into their research, control, and outreach activities (e.g., next generation chemicals, 3D printer educational mosquito models, sociological approaches). The database will also inform the development of a position paper on training the next generation of scientists within the field that will accomplished in subsequent project years. At the conclusion of this project, both the position paper and the database will be shared with scientific and professional communities for comment, and ongoing revisions and improvements. These activities will widen the reach of effective science-based information available to vector control professionals and students, and encourage the widespread adoption of sustainable mosquito and disease management. <br /> <p>At MSU (M. Kaufman), participants responded to requests from health workers and students: We participated in the development of training workshops administered by the Michigan Department of Community Health that covered mosquito surveillance and testing techniques, and we developed an new field course designed to cover basic vector ecology and vector borne disease system monitoring. The workshops targeted county health workers who were initiating surveillance for WNV and included trapping techniques and mosquito identification. Importantly, this training also stressed the need to recognize invasive species such as <i>Aedes albopictus</i>, which are not yet established in Michigan. The workshops were attended by health officials from several Michigan urban areas where WNV is prevalent and where <i>Ae. Albopictus</i> is likely to first appear. The field course (Ecology of Arthropod Vectors of Disease, through the Entomology Dept. at Michigan State University) was first taught in June 2014 and quickly filled its enrollment limit. This course is unique in our region in that students learn, hands-on, methods in mosquito trapping, tick collection, trapping and handling of disease vector hosts (birds and small mammals) in areas that are endemic to WNV, EEE, and Lyme disease. The course was considered to be highly successful and will be offered every summer at MSU’s W. K. Kellogg Biological station.<br />

Publications

<p>Chang, F., Dutta, S., Becnel, J. J., Estep, A. S., and Mark Mascal. 2014. Synthesis of the Insecticide Prothrin and Its Analogues from Biomass-Derived 5-(Chloromethyl) furfural. J. Agric.Food Chem. 62(2), pp. 476-480.<br /> <p>Reid, W. R., Thornton, A., Pridgeon, J., Becnel, J. J., Tang, F., Estep, A., Clark, G.G., and Allan, S.A. 2014. Gene expression analysis of a pyrethroid-resistant strain of Aedes aegypti and functional testing of selected family 4 cytochrome P450 genes. J. Med. Entomol. 51(3): 605-615.<br /> <p>Akdag, K., Kocyigit-Kaymakcioglu, B., Tabanca, N., Ali, A., Estep, A., Becnel, J.J., Khan, I.A. 2014. Synthesis and larvicidal and adult topical activity of some hydrazide-hydrazone derivatives against Aedes aegypti. Marmara pharmaceutical journal; 18 (3); 120-125.<br /> <p>de Carvalho, IMVG; de Queiroz, ATL; de Moraes, RB; Gil, HB; Alves, R; Viviani, ADB; Becnel, JJ; de Araujo-Coutinho, CJPD. (2014). Description of microsporidia in simulids: molecular and morphological characterization of microsporidia in the larvae of Simulium pertinax Kollar (Diptera: Simuliidae). Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical, 47(5), 624-631.<br /> <p>Chen, Y; Li, J; Li, SX; Zhao, J; Bernier, UR; Becnel, JJ; Agramonte, NM; Cantrell, CL; Wedge, DE. 2014. Identification and characterization of biopesticides from Acorus. Planta medica; 80 (10); 764-764<br /> <p>Santiago Plischuk, Neil Sanscrainte, James J. Becnel & Carlos E. Lange. 2015 Tubulinosema pampeana sp. n. (Microsporidia, Tubulinosematidae), a pathogen of the South American bumble bee Bombus atratus. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 126: 31-42.<br /> <p>Desjardins, C. A., Sanscrainte, N. D., Goldberg, J. M., Heiman, D., Young, S., Zeng, Q., Madhani, H. D., Becnel, J. J., Cuomo, C. 2015. Contrasting host-pathogen interactions and genome evolution in two generalist and specialist microsporidian pathogens of mosquitoes. Nature Communications 6:7121/DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8121.<br /> <p>Andrews ES, Fu Y, Calvitti M, Dobson SL. 2014. Interspecific Transfer of a Wolbachia Infection Into Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Yields a Novel Phenotype Capable of Rescuing a Superinfection. 51(6):1192–98<br /> <p>Bourtzis K, Dobson SL, Xi Z, Rasgon JL, Calvitti M, et al. 2014. Harnessing mosquito-Wolbachia symbiosis for vector and disease control. Acta Tropica. 132 Suppl:S150–63<br /> <p>Schmaedick MA, Koppel AL, Pilotte N, Torres M, Williams SA, et al. 2014. Molecular Xenomonitoring Using Mosquitoes to Map Lymphatic Filariasis after Mass Drug Administration in American Samoa. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 8(8):e3087<br /> <p>Slatko B.E, Luck AN, Dobson SL, Foster JM. 2014. Wolbachia endosymbionts and human disease control. Mol Biochem Parasitol. 195(2):88–95<br /> <p>Hamer S. A., A. C. Weghorst, L.D. Auckland, E. B. Roark, O. F. Strey, P. D. Teel, G. L. Hamer. In press. Comparison of DNA and carbon and nitrogen stable isotope-based techniques for tick blood meal analysis. Journal of Medical Entomology.<br /> <p>Boothe E. C., M. C. I. Medeiros, U. D. Kitron, J. D. Brawn, M. O. Ruiz, T. L. Goldberg, E. D. Walker, G. L. Hamer. In <br /> press. Identification of avian and hemoparasite DNA in blood-engorged abdomens of Culex pipiens (Diptera; Culicidae) from a West Nile virus epidemic region in suburban Chicago, Illinois. Journal of Medical Entomology.<br /> <p>McKee, E. M., E. D. Walker, T. K. Anderson, U.D. Kitron, J. D. Brawn, B. L. Krebs, C. M. Newman, M. O. Ruiz, R. S. Levine, M. E. Carrington, R. G. McLean, T. L. Goldberg, and G. L. Hamer. In press. West Nile virus antibody decay rate in free-ranging birds. Journal of Wildlife Disease. [PDF]<br /> <p>Krebs, B. L., T. K. Anderson, T. L. Goldberg, G. L. Hamer, U. D. Kitron, C. M. Newman, M. O. Ruiz, E. D. Walker, J. D. Brawn. 2014. Host group formation decreases exposure to vector-borne disease: a field experiment in a ‘hotspot’ of West Nile virus transmission. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 281: 20141586. [PDF]<br /> <p>Medeiros, M. C., J. M. Higashiguchi, T. K. Anderson, U. D. Kitron, E. D. Walker, J. D. Brawn, B. L. Krebs, M. O. Ruiz, T. L. Goldberg, R. E. Ricklefs, G. L. Hamer. 2014. An inverse association between West Nile virus serostatus and avian malaria infection status. Parasites and Vectors. 7:415. [PDF]<br /> <p>Golnar, A. J., M. J. Turell, A. D. LaBeaud, R. C. Kading, G. L. Hamer. 2014. Predicting the mosquito species and vertebrate species involved in the theoretical transmission of Rift Valley fever virus in the United States. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 8:e3163. [PDF]<br /> <p>Hamer G. L., T. K. Anderson, D. J. Donovan, J. D. Brawn, B. L. Krebs, A. M. Gardner, M. O. Ruiz, W. M. Brown, U. D. Kitron, C. M Newman, T. L. Goldberg, E. D. Walker. 2014. Dispersal of adult Culex mosquitoes in an urban West Nile virus hotspot: a mark-capture study incorporating stable isotope enrichment of natural larval habitats. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 8:e2768. [PDF]<br /> <p>Fonseca DM, Kaplan LR, Heiry RA, Strickman D 2015 Density dependent oviposition by female Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) spreads eggs among containers during the summer but accumulates them in the fall. Journal of Medical Entomology in press<br /> <p>Johnson BJ, Fonseca DM 2015 Insecticide resistance alleles in wetland and residential populations of the West Nile virus vector Culex pipiens in New Jersey, USA. Pest Management Science in press<br />

Impact Statements

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Report Information

Participants

Dan Kline, James Becnel, Theodore Andreadis, Herb Bolton, Rui-De Xue, Stephen Dobson, Michael Turell, Alden Estep, Jonas King, Gabe Hammer, Graham White, Paul Leisnham, Lee Cohnstaedt, Rajeev Vaidyanathan, Uli Munderloh, Goudarz Molaei

Brief Summary of Minutes

Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

Participants- Dan Kline, James Becnel, Theodore Andreadis, Herb Bolton, Rui-De Xue, Stephen Dobson, Michael Turell, Alden Estep, Jonas King, Gabe Hammer, Graham White, Paul Leisnham, Lee Cohnstaedt, Rajeev Vaidyanathan, Uli Munderloh, Goudarz Molaei

Opening- Stephen Dobson outlined last year’s meeting outcome, the 2016 Experiment Station Section Award for Excellence in Multistate Research, and the Northeast Supplement to the Guidelines for Multistate Research Activities.

Theodore Andreadis explained the basis of Hatch funds and the relationship between NE:1443, Zika and Chikungunya viruses along with a need to develop clearly-identified collaborations between NE:1443 members.

Herb Bolton then explained that NIFA was previously CSREES and functions to support research, education, and extension. About half of capacity funds are competitive. Importantly, we were reminded to get any significant discoveries or other advancements to Dr. Bolton for potential use in congressional testimony in defense of NIFA funding.  

Objective 1: Development of parasitic and arthropod catalogue/resources. An overview was given and an excel file was then shown as an example of the progress made thus far. The possibility of an online-accessible, “living document” database was also discussed and it was agreed that this was a good idea. It was agreed that we were ahead of schedule with regard to the milestones initially proposed for this objective.

Action Items: 1) decide upon a database program to use, 2) establish a curation committee, 3) compile shipping/regulatory information and 4) work towards a publication.

Objective 2:  Integrated tick management and community-centered approaches, including understanding the biology and ecology of novel and emerging tick-borne pathogens. – Dr. Munderloh first gave the news that a new artificial feeding system for lab-reared ticks was shown last year by her group. Dr. Goudarz Molaei (on teleconference line) then discussed tick IPM efforts against Lyme disease in CN and ME and said that several publications were pending. These studies are looking at spatial, social, and vector and rodent management and factors effecting transmission. Dr. Philip Armstrong discussed Powassan virus associated with human-biting Ixodes. He said there were three foci of tick infections in the state and that their group is working to track overall prevalence in CT.

Action Items: None identified

Objective 3: Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, with a focus on surveillance, range, expansion, ecology, genetics, climate change and disease risk. Dr. Gabe Hammer started by reporting a recently accepted J. Med Ent article comparing state mosquito control efforts for CA, TX, and KY. He also discussed a lack of information about male vs. female Aedes dispersal that he is currently studying. Dr. Armstrong then discussed the establishment of Ae. albopictus in CT. He added that the current info suggest overwintering populations in some areas, not just summer expansion. Several unanswered questions about Ae. albopictus and Zika virus were then discussed with no clear conclusions. Dr. Paul Leisnham explained and then led a discussion on socio-economic gradients affecting Aedes prevalence and how educating the public is important in controlling them.  Drs. Xue and White (Florida) then discussed the discovery of a small Aedes aegypti population that had been found in St. Augustine and is targeted for elimination.

Action Items: None identified

Objective 4: New control tools, including socio-ecological approaches. Lee Cohnstaedt has recruited high school students for collecting insect surveillance data that should be considered by members of NE:1443. The discussion then shifted to the standardization of surveillance strategies across groups and the potential use of UAVs in future surveillance and control efforts. The outcomes of recent Wolbachia trials and dsRNA technologies for potential mosquito control efforts were recapped. Paul Leisnham then closed this objective by leading a discussion on strategies for more effective public outreach. The effect of potential genetically modified Aedes release in the Florida Keys and the subsequent ripple-effect of fear in the public were discussed. 

Action Items: None identified

Objective 5: Training and training tools.  The teachers workshop was a major focus. It was agreed upon that 20 minute talks by recognized outstanding teachers in the field of medical entomology would be a good format. Paul Leisnham work towards finalizing a course by next year.

Action Items: a ”One day, Master teacher Symposium for Teaching Medical Entomology” might fit in with the annual American Mosquito Control Association meeting and that this could help researchers prepare for answering the public’s concerns, as well as being better university instructors.

Group discussions on potential funding sources and development of prospective collaborative proposals- Zika related grants were primarily discussed in the first half of this section of the meeting. I.e. NIH, NSF-EEID, NSF-RAPID. Non-Zika-related potential R21 and R01 ideas were then discussed.

Closing: Phillip Armstrong was elected as Chair of NE1443 for 2016-2017. Jonas King volunteers to act as secretary for the next year. For 2017, it was unanimously agreed to have the meeting at the same venue and again in in conjunction with the 13^th Arbovirus Surveillance and Mosquito Control Workshop, date TBA.

Meeting adjourned at 5 pm.

Special thanks to Jonas King for recording minutes of the meeting.

 

Accomplishments

<p><strong>Accomplishments </strong></p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 1: </strong>The aim of this project is to support and promote available resources such as the BEI Resources established by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for human pathogens and to identify alternative sources for vector resources beyond those found in BEI. The main objective is to support, promote, and enlarge the BEI resource for pathogens and vectors of human disease to include the identification and development of alternative resources that can be used to facilitate the study of arthropod vectors and arthropod-borne zoonotic disease agents of human and animal health importance.</p><br /> <p>A comprehensive listing has been compiled to include more than 70 laboratory colonies of mosquitoes, sandflies, muscoid flies, culicoides, and ticks, and arthropod cell lines derived from ticks, mosquitoes, sand flies, and culicoides . The current database will be distributed via an online database and ultimately be published. &nbsp;The committee is also reviewing and compiling new shipping/regulatory information regarding interstate transfer of live, arthropod vectors.</p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 2: </strong>The rapid increase in the incidence of human illness due to tick-borne pathogens requires better integration of available management options as well as development of new approaches. The aim of this project is to improve methods for assessment of infection status of ticks and reservoirs, to assess ecological risk of tick-borne pathogens and features that regulate tick density, and to test and develop methods for suppression of ticks or pathogens in urban and suburban environments.</p><br /> <p>Powassan encephalitis is a relatively rare but serious tick-borne viral infection that is increasing in incidence in the northeastern and northcentral U.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; Accordingly, Dr. Armstrong and participants initiated a multi-year survey to evaluate the spatial distribution and environmental risk of POWV infection by determining the prevalence of POWV in field-collected I. scapularis from Connecticut.&nbsp; To date, a total of 1077 I. scapularis nymphs and 1803 adults were assayed for virus infection.&nbsp; POWV was recovered from 4 nymphal ticks (0.4%) and from 17 adult ticks (0.9%) in four locations in Connecticut (Bridgeport, Lyme, Redding, and North Branford). &nbsp;This investigation shows that POWV is distributed in foci throughout Connecticut where it infects a low proportion of human biting ticks.&nbsp;&nbsp; Infection rates were more than 2-fold higher in adult than nymphal ticks.&nbsp; Given that POWV may be transmitted within 15 minutes of tick attachment as compared with the agents of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis which takes at least 48 hours, the adult tick may be an important source of human infection of POWV.</p><br /> <p>Lyme disease (LD) is the most important tick-associated disease in the United States. A variety of prevention and control methods, including personal protective measures, habitat modification, applications of biological and natural compounds, and host-targeted control measures, have been examined for reducing tick abundance and risk for LD. Most of these approaches have met with varying degrees of success. Dr. Molaei and colleagues are exploring &nbsp;the efficacy of integrated and individual tick control measures by: 1) developing a reduced risk/integrated tick management (ITM) approach to tick control, using an array of least-toxic tick control measures, in a residential community, that is effective, safe, inexpensive, and simple to implement, 2) measuring efficacy of individual methods and an ITM approach to reduce infected ticks, infected reservoirs, and questing tick populations as a means of reducing the risk of tick-borne disease and LD incidence, 3) determining most effective timing and method of implementation of each tick control method and analyze costs for individual components of an ITM program, the ITM program as a whole, and individual costs to the homeowner, and 4) creating a decision support system that provides guidance to homeowners on the risk of acquisition of LD. The project should result in reduced pesticide use, easy access to information on tick management strategies, the adoption and use of various cost-effective tick management approaches by homeowners, and the ability of communities to design an ITM system to reduce the risk of LD.</p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 3:</strong> This Aim focuses on on the surveillance, range expansion, ecology, genetics, and disease risk of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> and <em>Ae. aegypti.</em> Although much work has been conducted already on these species, not enough is known about their recent biology, especially in areas where <em>Ae. albopictus</em> has recently invaded (Northeastern States), or where a resurgence in population abundance is occurring for <em>Ae. aegypti</em> (Florida) where it overlaps with <em>Ae. albopictus.</em> &nbsp;This objective will produce the following: (1) development of new data on overwintering survival of the Asian tiger mosquito (2) development of predictive models for vector range expansion and disease transmission, and (3) recommendations best practices for vector control and disease intervention in the face of an outbreak.</p><br /> <p>The northern distribution limit for <em>Ae. albopictus </em>is estimated to be between the 0^o and -5^o C mean winter temperature isotherms based on its distribution in East Asia.&nbsp; The coast of southern Connecticut and Massachusetts is located within these isotherms and appear to possess suitable habitat and climatic conditions for future colonization.&nbsp; Dr. Armstrong and colleagues sampled larval and adult mosquitoes from locations in Connecticut, to determine the extent of the <em>Ae. albopictus</em> infestation and to evaluate its overwintering success in this region.&nbsp; The first female <em>Ae. albopictus</em> was collected in Stratford, Connecticut during 2006 and none were collected again until 2010 and 2011.&nbsp; The number of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> increased substantially in the following years and were restricted to southwestern coastal Connecticut. <em>Ae. albopictus</em> larvae were recovered from tires that were left outside overwinter and flooded in the spring during 2013 but not following exceptionally cold winters of 2014 and 2015.&nbsp; This study documents the northward expansion and establishment of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> into southern Connecticut.&nbsp; Recovery of larvae from tires that were flooded during the spring clearly indicates that this species may survive mild winter conditions in southern Connecticut.&nbsp; Continued monitoring of this region is warranted to document areas of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> establishment and anticipate the potential for future range expansion.</p><br /> <p>Dr. Laura Harrington (Cornell University) conduced the first year of preliminary experiments to understand winter egg survival under different temperatures. Additionally, data on winter temperature in diapause habitats was recorded with data loggers in three field sites in the Lower Hudson River Valley, NY that have well established Asian tiger mosquito populations. Mosquito control personnel in these regions to collaborate with were identified on this project. During the summer of 2016, surveys were conducted in the Lower Hudson Valley Region of New York State (Westchester, Rockland, and Suffolk counties). Surveys were conducted through the entire adult mosquito activity season (April to November) in nine neighborhoods within the known zone of infestation (NYSDOH). The sites varied in socioeconomic demographics and in urban cover (percent impervious surface). Positive container habitat traits, larval presence with other mosquito species, and spatial patterns of occurrence between the nine individual sites and between sites of different socioeconomic strata were compared. Additional sampling was conducted in non-residential sites above the known zone of infestation in order to update the established range of this species in New York State. These data are currently being analyzed and a second season replicate is planned for 2017. <em>Ae. albopictus</em> were collected north of the currently understood distribution boundary in 2016.&nbsp; Follow up surveys in 2017, will further characterize the current zone of infestation for this species in NYS.</p><br /> <p>Dr. Leisnham (University of Maryland) is conducting a similar but independent study comparing seasonal changes in summer and winter temperatures among common artificial container habitats in the field (i.e., used tire, plastic cup, pottery planter, plastic corrugated tubing, plastic bucket) using data loggers. Data was also collected on <em>Ae. albopictus </em>oviposition activity. Preliminary data from the first year of the study indicate potentially important variation in the seasonal temperature profiles among different container types that may affect larval survival and development in the summer, and egg survival in the winter.</p><br /> <p>Dr. Gabe Hammer (Texas A&amp;M) published a forum article the Journal of Medical Entomology (Hamer 2016) comparing and contrasting states on publishing mosquito information. A key conclusion was that available funding was a significant predictor. He's continuing work on socio-ecological dynamics and citizen science in border communities</p><br /> <p>Drs. Dan Kline (USDA-ARS) and Paul Leisnham (University of Maryland) are working with mosquito control districts in New Jersey (Dr. Isik Unlu, Mercer Co.) and James McNelly (Volusia Co.) to understand geographical variation in the seasonal patterns of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> oviposition and egg ecology, and to develop more accurate degree day models for northern vs. southern populations. Weekly ovitrapping was conducted from the spring through early fall in 2015 at two sites in the north (New Jersey and Maryland) and two sites in Florida. Ovitrapping has continued into 2016 for the two sites in Florida.</p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 4: </strong>This research cluster focuses on the development of mosquito control and management tools for maintaining mosquito populations below nuisance levels and/or below epidemic levels for disease transmission. This includes a broad based approach to new toxicant discovery, screening of compounds derived from natural products, and evaluation of registered compounds for mosquitocidal activity.&nbsp; In addition, we are exploring gene silencing using RNAi technology as a method to knock down critical proteins in adult and larval mosquitoes with possible applications for control. Microsporidian parasites are known to infect many mosquitoes worldwide, but fundamental knowledge on the genomes of mosquito microsporidia and host-pathogen interactions are poorly known. These products will complement and expand the comprehensive scientific literature regarding operational technologies for mosquito surveillance and control that is already in existence.&nbsp;</p><br /> <p>Dr. Dobson (University of Kentucky) has implemented Wolbachia trials to control <em>Aedes albopictus </em> in California and initial results are promising thus far.&nbsp; Dr. Vaidyanathan (Clarke Inc) and Dr. Becnel (USDA-ARS) are investigating the application of dsRNA technologies for potential mosquito control efforts. Paul Leisnham is evaluating the effectiveness of different strategies for community outreach for vector control interventions. &nbsp;He has identified a number of public misconceptions ranging from mosquitoes vectoring HIV, to a great fear of male mosquito releases that have consequences on the implementation of control efforts.</p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 5: </strong>The key outcome will be training and training tools delivered to developing scientists within the field of Medical and Veterinary Entomology. Tools will be (1) a training course in conjunction with one or more Multistate meetings and (2) Publication of a position paper regarding the development of the next generation of scientists within our field.</p><br /> <p>During this past project year appropriate training tools were discussed in-depth and planned. Following initial discussions in year 1 of the project, in this past project year (Year 2) a database of current training courses was compiled through input from project personnel, and made available to the wider group. The database consisted of 16 courses that represented a range in approached with regards to their target audiences, delivery of instruction, and content. The majority of courses (n=12) targeted full or part-time students in an academic setting, while four courses were targeted for a professional/technical audience. Fifteen courses involved in-person instruction, while 1 course was delivered online. Eleven courses had content that focused on practical taxonomic identification and 3 courses focused on a broader range of methods within the field of medical entomology. These 14 courses appeared to use experiential learning techniques for at least part of their instructional delivery. Two other classes appeared to be more focused on broader conceptual and theoretical issues important to ecological and/or global heath. As expected, while courses focused on particular audiences, instructive approaches, and content, most provided a broad experience for their students. After considerable discussion at the annual meeting, discussion among project personnel concluded that a next step might be to plan and organize an in-person course to coincide with the annual meeting in Years 4 and 5, and that detailed planning for this course could take at the annual meeting in Year 3.</p><br /> <p>&nbsp;</p>

Publications

<p><strong>Publications </strong></p><br /> <p>Alfonso-Parra C, Ahmed-Braimah YH, Degner EC, Avila FW, Villarreal SM, Pleiss JA, Wolfner MF, Harrington LC. Mating-induced transcriptome changes in the reproductive tract of female<em> Aedes aegypti</em>. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016 Feb 22;10(2):e0004451.</p><br /> <p>Armstrong PM, Andreadis TG, Anderson JF. Emergence of a new lineage of Cache Valley virus (Bunyaviridae: Orthobunyavirus) in the Northeastern United States. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2015 Jul;93(1):11-7.</p><br /> <p>Baldridge GD, Li YG, Witthuhn BA, Higgins L, Markowski TW, Baldridge AS, Fallon AM. Mosaic composition of ribA and wspB genes flanking the virB8-D4 operon in the Wolbachia supergroup B-strain, wStr. Arch Microbiol. 2016 Jan;198(1):53-69.</p><br /> <p>Baldridge GD, Markowski TW, Witthuhn BA, Higgins L, Baldridge AS, Fallon AM. The Wolbachia WO bacteriophage proteome in the Aedes albopictus C/wStr1 cell line: evidence for lytic activity? In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. 2016 Jan;52(1):77-88.</p><br /> <p>Beyenbach KW, Yu Y, Piermarini PM, Denton J. Targeting renal epithelial channels for the control of insect vectors. Tissue Barriers. 2015 Sep 1;3(4):e1081861.</p><br /> <p>Bodner D, LaDeau SL, Biehler D, Kirchoff N, Leisnham PT. Effectiveness of Print Education at Reducing Urban Mosquito Infestation through Improved Resident-Based Management. PLoS One. 2016 May 12;11(5):e0155011.</p><br /> <p>Calkins TL, Piermarini PM. Pharmacological and Genetic Evidence for Gap Junctions as Potential New Insecticide Targets in the Yellow Fever Mosquito, <em>Aedes aegypti</em>. PLoS One. 2015 Sep 1;10(9):e0137084.</p><br /> <p>Calkins TL, Woods-Acevedo MA, Hildebrandt O, Piermarini PM. The molecular and immunochemical expression of innexins in the yellow fever mosquito, <em>Aedes aegypti</em>: insights into putative life stage- and tissue-specific functions of gap junctions. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol. 2015 May;183:11-21.</p><br /> <p>Davis TJ, Kline DL, Kaufman PE. Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Oviposition Preference as Influenced by Container Size and <em>Buddleja davidii</em> Plants. J Med Entomol. 2016 Mar;53(2):273-8.</p><br /> <p>Davis TJ, Kaufman PE, Hogsette JA, Kline DL. The Effects of Larval Habitat Quality on Aedes albopictus Skip Oviposition. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 2015 Dec;31(4):321-8.</p><br /> <p>Davis TJ, Kaufman PE, Tatem AJ, Hogsette JA, Kline DL. Development and Evaluation of an Attractive Self-Marking Ovitrap to Measure Dispersal and Determine Skip Oviposition in <em>Aedes albopictus</em> (Diptera: Culicidae) Field Populations. J Med Entomol. 2016 Jan;53(1):31-8.</p><br /> <p>Desjardins CA, Sanscrainte ND, Goldberg JM, Heiman D, Young S, Zeng Q, Madhani HD, Becnel JJ, Cuomo CA. Contrasting host-pathogen interactions and genome evolution in two generalist and specialist microsporidian pathogens of mosquitoes. Nat Commun. 2015 May 13;6:7121.</p><br /> <p>Degner EC, Harrington LC. Polyandry Depends on Postmating Time Interval in the Dengue Vector <em>Aedes aegypti</em>. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2016 Apr; 94(4):780-5.</p><br /> <p>Esquivel CJ, Cassone BJ, Piermarini PM. A de novo transcriptome of the Malpighian tubules in non-blood-fed and blood-fed Asian tiger mosquitoes <em>Aedes albopictus</em>: insights into diuresis, detoxification, and blood meal processing. PeerJ. 2016 Mar 10;4:e1784.</p><br /> <p>Fallon AM. Effects of mimosine on Wolbachia in mosquito cells: cell cycle suppression reduces bacterial abundance. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. 2015 Oct;51(9):958-63. doi: 10.1007/s11626-015-9918-7.</p><br /> <p>Faraji A, Gaugler R. Experimental host preference of diapause and non-diapause induced <em>Culex pipiens pipiens</em> (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasit Vectors. 2015 Jul 24; 8:389.</p><br /> <p>Faraji A, Unlu I, Crepeau T, Healy S, Crans S, Lizarraga G, Fonseca D, Gaugler R. Droplet Characterization and Penetration of an Ultra-Low Volume Mosquito Adulticide Spray Targeting the Asian Tiger Mosquito, <em>Aedes albopictus</em>, within Urban and Suburban Environments of Northeastern USA. PLoS One.</p><br /> <p>Fonseca DM, Kaplan LR, Heiry RA, Strickman D. Density-Dependent Oviposition by Female <em>Aedes albopictus</em> (Diptera: Culicidae) Spreads Eggs Among Containers During the Summer but Accumulates Them in the Fall. J Med Entomol. 2015 Jul;52(4):705-12.</p><br /> <p>Hamer GL. Heterogeneity of Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Control Community Size, Research Productivity, and Arboviral Diseases Across the United States. J Med Entomol. 2016 May;53(3):485-495.</p><br /> <p>Hardstone MC, Strycharz JP, Kim J, Park IK, Yoon KS, Ahn YJ, Harrington LC, Lee SH, Clark JM. Development of multifunctional metabolic synergists to suppress the evolution of resistance against pyrethroids in insects that blood feed on humans. Pest Manag Sci. 2015 Jun;71(6):842-9.</p><br /> <p>Hoel DF, Dunford JC, Kline DL, Irish SR, Weber M, Richardson AG, Doud CW, Wirtz RA. A Comparison of Carbon Dioxide Sources for Mosquito Capture in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Light Traps on the Florida Gulf Coast. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 2015 Sep;31(3):248-57.</p><br /> <p>Heu CC, Kurtti TJ, Nelson CM, Munderloh UG. Transcriptional Analysis of the Conjugal Transfer Genes of <em>Rickettsia bellii</em> RML 369-C. PLoS One. 2015 Sep 9;10(9):e0137214.</p><br /> <p>Hegde S, Rasgon JL, Hughes GL. The microbiome modulates arbovirus transmission in mosquitoes. Curr Opin Virol. 2015 Dec;15:97-102.</p><br /> <p>Henning TC, Orr JM, Smith JD, Arias JR, Rasgon JL, Norris DE. Discovery of filarial nematode DNA in<em> Amblyomma americanum</em> in Northern Virginia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2016 Mar;7(2):315-8.</p><br /> <p>Huang YJ, Harbin JN, Hettenbach SM, Maki E, Cohnstaedt LW, Barrett AD, Higgs S, Vanlandingham DL. Susceptibility of a North American <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em> to Japanese Encephalitis Virus. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2015 Nov;15(11):709-11.</p><br /> <p>Hutcheson HJ, Mertins JW, Larson SR, Paskewitz S. <em>Acarine hypopi</em> (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) on <em>Ixodes scapularis</em> (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in Central North America. J Med Entomol. 2015 Sep;52(5):837-41.</p><br /> <p>Johnson BJ, Fonseca DM. Insecticide resistance alleles in wetland and residential populations of the West Nile virus vector <em>Culex pipiens</em> in New Jersey. Pest Manag Sci. 2016 Mar;72(3):481-8.</p><br /> <p>Karki S, Hamer GL, Anderson TK, Goldberg TL, Kitron UD, Krebs BL, Walker ED, Ruiz MO. Effect of Trapping Methods, Weather, and Landscape on Estimates of the <em>Culex</em> Vector Mosquito Abundance. Environ Health Insights. 2016 Jun 22;10:93-103.</p><br /> <p>LaDeau SL, Allan BF, Leisnham PT, Levy MZ. The ecological foundations of transmission potential and vector-borne disease in urban landscapes. Funct Ecol. 2015 Jul;29:889-901.</p><br /> <p>Larson SR, Paskewitz SM. Teratological Nymphal <em>Ixodes scapularis</em> (Acari: Ixodidae) From Wisconsin. J Med Entomol. 2016 Mar;53(2):477-9.</p><br /> <p>Misencik MJ, Grubaugh ND, Andreadis TG, Ebel GD, Armstrong PM. Isolation of a Novel Insect-Specific Flavivirus from <em>Culiseta melanura</em> in the Northeastern United States. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2016 Mar;16(3):181-90.</p><br /> <p>Molaei G, Thomas MC, Muller T, Medlock J, Shepard JJ, Armstrong PM, Andreadis TG. Dynamics of Vector-Host Interactions in Avian Communities in Four Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Foci in the Northeastern U.S. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016 Jan 11;10(1):e0004347.</p><br /> <p>Molaei G, Armstrong PM, Graham AC, Kramer LD, Andreadis TG. Insights into the recent emergence and expansion of eastern equine encephalitis virus in a new focus in the Northern New England USA. Parasit Vectors. 2015 Oct 9;8:516.</p><br /> <p>Molaei G, Armstrong PM, Abadam CF, Akaratovic KI, Kiser JP, Andreadis TG. Vector-Host Interactions of <em>Culiseta melanura</em> in a Focus of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Activity in Southeastern Virginia. PLoS One. 2015 Sep 1;10(9):e0136743.</p><br /> <p>Monaghan AJ, Morin CW, Steinhoff DF, Wilhelmi O, Hayden M, Quattrochi DA, Reiskind M, Lloyd AL, Smith K, Schmidt CA, Scalf PE, Ernst K. On the Seasonal Occurrence and Abundance of the Zika Virus Vector Mosquito Aedes Aegypti in the Contiguous United States. PLoS Curr. 2016 Mar 16;8.</p><br /> <p>Nair AD, Cheng C, Ganta CK, Sanderson MW, Alleman AR, Munderloh UG, Ganta RR. Comparative Experimental Infection Study in Dogs with<em> Ehrlichia canis</em>,<em> E. chaffeensis, Anaplasma platys</em> and <em>A. phagocytophilum</em>. PLoS One. 2016 Feb 3;11(2):e0148239.</p><br /> <p>Oliver JD, Lynn GE, Burkhardt NY, Price LD, Nelson CM, Kurtti TJ, Munderloh UG. Infection of Immature Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) by Membrane Feeding. J Med Entomol. 2016 Mar;53(2):409-15.</p><br /> <p>Oliva Ch&aacute;vez AS, Fairman JW, Felsheim RF, Nelson CM, Herron MJ, Higgins L, Burkhardt NY, Oliver JD, Markowski TW, Kurtti TJ, Edwards TE, Munderloh UG. An O-Methyltransferase Is Required for Infection of Tick Cells by <em>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</em>. PLoS Pathog. 2015 Nov 6;11(11):e1005248.</p><br /> <p>Oliver JD, Ch&aacute;vez AS, Felsheim RF, Kurtti TJ, Munderloh UG. An <em>Ixodes scapularis</em> cell line with a predominantly neuron-like phenotype. Exp Appl Acarol. 2015 Jul;66(3):427-42.</p><br /> <p>Price DC, Egizi A, Fonseca DM. Characterization of the doublesex gene within the <em>Culex pipiens</em> complex suggests regulatory plasticity at the base of the mosquito sex determination cascade. BMC Evol Biol. 2015 Jun 11;15:108.</p><br /> <p>Pridgeon JW, Zhao L, Becnel JJ, Strickman DA, Clark GG, Linthicum KJ. Erratum. Topically applied AaeIAP1 double-stranded RNA kills female adults of Aedes aegypti. Journal of Medical Entomology 45(3):414&ndash;420. J Med Entomol. 2016 Mar;53(2):484.</p><br /> <p>Piermarini PM, Dunemann SM, Rouhier MF, Calkins TL, Raphemot R, Denton JS, Hine RM, Beyenbach KW. Localization and role of inward rectifier K(+) channels in Malpighian tubules of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. Insect Biochem Mol Biol. 2015 Dec;67:59-73.</p><br /> <p>Pritt BS, Mead PS, Johnson DK, Neitzel DF, Respicio-Kingry LB, Davis JP, Schiffman E, Sloan LM, Schriefer ME, Replogle AJ, Paskewitz SM, Ray JA, Bjork J, Steward CR, Deedon A, Lee X, Kingry LC, Miller TK, Feist MA, Theel ES, Patel R, Irish CL, Petersen JM. Identification of a novel pathogenic <em>Borrelia</em> species causing Lyme borreliosis with unusually high spirochaetaemia: a descriptive study. Lancet Infect Dis. 2016 May;16(5):556-64.</p><br /> <p>Puglise JM, Estep AS, Becnel JJ. Expression Profiles and RNAi Silencing of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Transcripts in <em>Aedes, Anopheles,</em> and <em>Culex</em> Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). J Med Entomol. 2016 Mar;53(2):304-14.</p><br /> <p>Reiskind MH, Janairo MS. Late-instar Behavior of<em> Aedes ae</em>gypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae in Different Thermal and Nutritive Environments. J Med Entomol. 2015 Sep;52(5):789-96.</p><br /> <p>Sakamoto JM, Ng TF, Suzuki Y, Tsujimoto H, Deng X, Delwart E, Rasgon JL. Bunyaviruses are common in male and female <em>Ixodes scapularis</em> ticks in central Pennsylvania. PeerJ. 2016 Aug 11;4:e2324.</p><br /> <p>Sarikahya NB, Kayce P, Tabanca N, Estep AS, Becnel JJ, Khan IA, Kirmizigul S. Toxicity of <em>Cephalaria</em> Species and their Individual Constituents against <em>Aedes aegypti</em>. Nat Prod Commun. 2015 Jul;10(7):1195-8.</p><br /> <p>Shand L, Brown WM, Chaves LF, Goldberg TL, Hamer GL, Haramis L, Kitron U, Walker ED, Ruiz MO. Predicting West Nile Virus Infection Risk From the Synergistic Effects of Rainfall and Temperature. J Med Entomol. 2016 Jul;53(4):935-944.</p><br /> <p>Smith CD, Freed TZ, Leisnham PT. Prior Hydrologic Disturbance Affects Competition between <em>Aedes</em> Mosquitoes via Changes in Leaf Litter. PLoS One. 2015 Jun 2;10(6):e0128956.</p><br /> <p>Suman DS, Wang Y, Gaugler R. The Insect Growth Regulator Pyriproxyfen Terminates Egg Diapause in the Asian Tiger Mosquito, <em>Aedes albopictus.</em> PLoS One. 2015 Jun 19;10(6):e0130499.</p><br /> <p>Troemel ER, Becnel JJ. Genome analysis and polar tube firing dynamics of mosquito-infecting microsporidia. Fungal Genet Biol. 2015 Oct;83:41-4.</p><br /> <p>Unlu I, Leisnham PT, Williams GM, Klingler K, Dow GW, Kirchoff N, Jin S, Delisi N, Montenegro K, Faraji A. Effects of a Red Marker Dye on <em>Aedes</em> and <em>Culex</em> Larvae: Are There Implications for Operational Mosquito Control? J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 2015 Dec;31(4):375-9.</p><br /> <p>Villiard A, Gaugler R. Long-term Effects of Carbohydrate Availability on Mating Success of Newly Eclosed<em> Aedes albopictus</em> (Diptera: Culicidae) Males. J Med Entomol. 2015 May;52(3):308-14.</p><br /> <p>Wang J, Dyachenko V, Munderloh UG, Straubinger RK. Transmission of <em>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</em> from endothelial cells to peripheral granulocytes in vitro under shear flow conditions. Med Microbiol Immunol. 2015 Oct;204(5):593-603.</p><br /> <p>Wilkerson RC, Linton YM, Fonseca DM, Schultz TR, Price DC, Strickman DA. Making Mosquito Taxonomy Useful: A Stable Classification of Tribe Aedini that Balances Utility with Current Knowledge of Evolutionary Relationships. PLoS One. 2015 Jul 30;10(7):e0133602.</p><br /> <p>Xue L, Scoglio C, McVey DS, Boone R, Cohnstaedt LW. Two Introductions of Lyme Disease into Connecticut: A Geospatial Analysis of Human Cases from 1984 to 2012. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2015 Sep;15(9):523-8</p><br /> <p>Yee DA, Kaufman MG, Ezeakacha NF. Correction: How Diverse Detrital Environments Influence Nutrient Stoichiometry between Males and Females of the Co-Occurring Container Mosquitoes <em>Aedes albopictus, Ae. aegypti</em>, and <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em>. PLoS One. 2016 Mar 23;11(3):e0144867.</p><br /> <p>Yee DA, Kaufman MG, Ezeakacha NF. How Diverse Detrital Environments Influence Nutrient Stoichiometry between Males and Females of the Co-Occurring Container Mosquitoes <em>Aedes albopictus, Ae. aegypti</em>, and<em> Culex quinquefasciatus</em>. PLoS One.2015 Aug 5;10(8):e0133734.</p>

Impact Statements

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Participants

Theodore Andreadis (AA), Phil Armstrong, James Becnel, Jim Cilek, Alden Estep, Dina Fonseca, Jonas King, Dan Kline, Rajeev Vaidyanathan, Jiannong Xu , Rui-De Xue

Brief Summary of Minutes

Opening- John Beier, Professor of Public Health Services, University of Miami: Zika Outbreak and Control in Miami. A discussion of public perception of using organophosphates (Naled) to avoid resistance.

Fonseca discussed her work on adult learning for the purpose of mosquito safety education.

The group then discussed matters of concerned protesters in Puerto Rico and south Florida.

George Deskins of the Citrus County Mosquito Control District discussed some problems public perception that he had encountered.

Phil Armstrong then brought up the fact that attendance was very low this year, and that he understood that people were likely busy with Zika-related issues. The group also then discussed the four new CDC Centers of Excellence, and that it was good news because many members of NE1443 were involved.

Ted Andreadis then gave a history of this multi-state project and also explained the recent changes in leader in Washington, D.C., and the fiscal outlook for FY 2018. He said there was a potential for a 20% increase in Hatch Act funding. He also pointed out that there were 28 members assigned to this multi-state with only a handful present, and that greater participation was needed in the future.

The Northeast CDC Center at Cornell was discussed.

There was a long discussion of how regional multi-state projects could collaborate with some of these large, new research centers.

There were member introductions.

Objective 1: Development of parasitic and arthropod catalogue/resources. James Becnel gave an update on colony source information and expressed a need for identifying groups that might have new mosquito colonies that would be of interest to those working in toxicology or mosquito genetics. Dipteran cell line sources were listed. Jiannong Xu said that he was also starting a repository of mosquito-associated bacteria which could be added to this objective. A long discussion then followed about interfacing the resources produced from this aim with those already available from BEI Resources. This objective was then concluded with a short discussion on the differences in permit requirements for intrastate and interstate transport and import of vector arthropods.

Action Items: 1) decide upon a database program to use, 2) establish a curation committee, 3) compile shipping/regulatory information and 4) work towards a publication.
 

Objective 2:  Integrated tick management and community-centered approaches, including understanding the biology and ecology of novel and emerging tick-borne pathogens. – No one was present on this objective, so Phil Armstrong took over. He discussed Powassan virus and Lyme disease in Connecticut and reported that he had found a surprisingly high prevalence for Powassan virus in the regional Ixodes. RNAi tick response against viruses was also discussed. Jonas King and Dina Fonseca then discussed two smaller tick-related projects relating to the Rocky Mountain spotted fever vectors Dermacentor and Amblyomma.

Phil Armstrong and Lisa Conti then discussed the importance of coinfection in ticks, as well as the importance of veterinarians in tick surveillance.

 Action Items: 1) increased surveillance of environmental risk, 2) importance of coinfection and 3) the IPM of ticks

Objective 3: Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, with a focus on surveillance, range, expansion, ecology, genetics, climate change and disease risk. Phil Armstrong discussed albopictus range map discrepancies and that the range was often overestimated. He also discussed his own work on Aedes albopictus range in the northeastern U.S. as it compared to the work of Rochlin et al. (2013), the main point was the potential of a 5° isotherm as the northern border of their range. There was then a discussion involving Dina, Phil and Ted on using genetics to distinguish overwintering Aedes versus reintroduced Aedes.

James Becnel and Alden Estep led a discussion on pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti in Florida.

Action Items: None identified

Objective 4: New control tools, including socio-ecological approaches. Dina Fonseca presented her result from her recent research on community mosquito control in University Park, Maryland. The focus of this research was a door-to-door effort to encourage Aedes albopictus surveillance and the efficacy of such a program. For this work she used GAT traps which combine lethal oviposition and surveillance.

Action Items: None identified

Objective 5: Training and training tools.  No one was present. We discussed that Paul Leisnham had teaching modules online, and that Phil Armstrong could get us these links.

Action Items: None identified

Group discussions on potential funding sources and development of prospective collaborative proposals.

There was another discussion on where the meeting should be held next year in order to increase attendance.

Closing: Philip Armstrong continued as Chair of NE1443 for 2016-2017. Jonas King volunteers will continue as secretary for the next year.

Meeting adjourned at 5 pm.

Accomplishments

<p><strong>Objective 1: </strong>The aim of this project is to support and promote available resources such as the BEI Resources established by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for human pathogens and to identify alternative sources for vector resources beyond those found in BEI. The main objective is to support, promote, and enlarge the BEI resource for pathogens and vectors of human disease to include the identification and development of alternative resources that can be used to facilitate the study of arthropod vectors and arthropod-borne zoonotic disease agents of human and animal health importance.</p><br /> <p>&nbsp;No new updates</p><br /> <p>&nbsp;<strong>Objective 2: </strong>The rapid increase in the incidence of human illness due to tick-borne pathogens requires better integration of available management options as well as development of new approaches. The aim of this project is to improve methods for assessment of infection status of ticks and reservoirs, to assess ecological risk of tick-borne pathogens and features that regulate tick density, and to test and develop methods for suppression of ticks or pathogens in urban and suburban environments.</p><br /> <p>Dr. Armstrong (Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station) continued a multi-year study on the prevalence of Powassan virus (POWV) infection in field collected ticks to assess the environmental risk of infection. His group documented POWV in 2-5% of ticks in spatially discrete foci throughout Connecticut.&nbsp; The infection rate is about 2-fold higher in adults versus nymphs.&nbsp; All virus isolates will be sequenced and compared to track the distribution and persistence of viral strains among sampling locations.&nbsp;</p><br /> <p>In another study published in <em>Virus Evolution</em>, Dr. Armstrong and colleagues tracked the genetic diversity of POWV in both the vertebrate host and arthropod vector.&nbsp; During horizontal transmission from mice to ticks, POWV populations were subject to severe bottlenecks compared to transstadial transmission of virus from one tick life-stage another.&nbsp;&nbsp; POWV diversified within mice, but was constrained by purifying selection in both mice and ticks. These findings contrast sharply to those of the mosquito-borne flavivirus, West Nile virus (WNV), which is more diverse within the invertebrate vector. Despite limited diversity observed in ticks, they found that RNAi targeting intensity was positively correlated with the presence of intrahost single nucleotide variants, findings similar to those described for WNV in mosquitoes. These data highlight that RNAi-driven diversification may be a common feature of the arthropod-arbovirus interaction. Findings also suggest that differences in transmission frequencies imposed by differing vector life histories may also influence arbovirus population dynamics. Together, these findings provide experimental evidence supporting the observed gradual, long-term evolutionary trends of POWV.&nbsp;</p><br /> <p>Dr. Molaei and colleagues initiated 3- year integrated tick management program to control blacklegged ticks,&nbsp;<em>Ixodes scapularis</em>, the primary vector of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis, was implemented in CT. Combinations of white-tailed deer reduction, area application of the entomopathogenic fungus&nbsp;<em>Metarhizium anisopliae</em>, and fipronil- based rodent bait boxes were evaluated for their ability to reduce nymphal&nbsp;<em>I. scapularis</em>&nbsp;over 3 years. The combination of fipronil-based bait boxes and broadcast application of&nbsp;<em>M. anisopliae</em>&nbsp;had the most impact of any treatment combination; questing nymphs were reduced 78-95% within each year and&nbsp;<em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em>-infected questing nymphal&nbsp;<em>I. scapularis</em>&nbsp;encounter potential was reduced by 66% as compared with no treatment in the third year of the study.&nbsp;Homeowners looking for less toxic options could use a combination of broadcast treatment of&nbsp;<em>M. anisopliae</em>&nbsp;and fipronil-based rodent bait boxes to significantly reduce encounters with infected nymphal&nbsp;<em>I. scapularis</em>&nbsp;on their properties.</p><br /> <p>The spatial temporal dynamics of the Lyme disease spirochete (<em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em>) infection was evaluated by Molaei and colleagues. Engorged nymph and adult <em>I. scapularis</em> ticks submitted by Connecticut residents to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station were screened for evidence of infection with <em>B. burgdorferi</em>. Tick infection rates were calculated for 7, three-year periods (1996-2016) for each town. Physician-reported LD cases were used to calculate incidence rates at the same spatiotemporal scale as tick infection rates. Of the 87,138 <em>I. scapularis</em> tick submissions, the majority (85%) were from Fairfield and New Haven Counties. The average rates of infection were 31.5% in adults and 22.5% in nymphs. During 1996-2016, there were 29,653 LD cases reported in Connecticut, a downward trend in disease incidence was observed, as well as significant differences among counties. By town, a higher tick infection rate was associated with an increase in the number of physician-reported LD cases. Temporally, they found an increase in tick infection rates and a decrease in physician-reported LD incidence over the study period (1996-2016). They also found a positive association between tick infection rate and physician-reported LD incidence at the town level underscoring the relevance of using passive surveillance methods to estimate risk.</p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 3:</strong> This Aim focuses on on the surveillance, range expansion, ecology, genetics, and disease risk of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> and <em>Ae. aegypti.</em> Although much work has been conducted already on these species, not enough is known about their recent biology, especially in areas where <em>Ae. albopictus</em> has recently invaded (Northeastern States), or where a resurgence in population abundance is occurring for <em>Ae. aegypti</em> (Florida) where it overlaps with <em>Ae. albopictus.</em> This objective will produce the following: (1) development of new data on overwintering survival of the Asian tiger mosquito (2) development of predictive models for vector range expansion and disease transmission, and (3) recommendations best practices for vector control and disease intervention in the face of an outbreak.</p><br /> <p>Dr. Armstrong (Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station) and colleagues recently published a study on the northern range expansion of <em>Ae. albopictus </em>n <em>PLOS Neglected Topical Diseases. </em>Winter temperatures are an important constraint to this species northward expansion and Connecticut appears to be located at the thermal limit for overwintering survival of this species. In this study, mosquitoes were sampled from up to 91 statewide trapping sites from 1997-2016 to track the establishment and range expansion of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> in Connecticut. In addition, <em>Ae. albopictus</em> larvae were monitored in tire habitats and tires were retrieved from the field in the spring and flooded to evaluate overwintering success of hatching larvae. <em>Ae. albopictus</em> was first detected during statewide surveillance when a single specimen was collected in 2006. This species was not collected again until 2010 and was detected every year since then with increasing abundance and distribution except following exceptionally cold winters. <em>Ae. albopictus</em> mosquitoes were most abundant in urban and suburban locations along the Long Island Sound shoreline of southwestern Connecticut; however, single specimens were occasionally detected in central parts of the state. Field-collected females were also screened for arbovirus infection yielding two isolations of Cache Valley virus and one isolation of West Nile virus highlighting the threat posed by this mosquito. <em>Ae. albopictus</em> overwintered in Connecticut under mild winter conditions as shown by recovery of larvae hatching in spring and by early seasonal detection of larvae and adults. This study documents the establishment and expansion of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> at the northern boundary of its range in New England and provides a baseline for monitoring future range expansion and population increases anticipated under climate change.</p><br /> <p>Dr. Leisnham (University of Maryland), his PhD student, Oswaldo Villena, and colleagues continued their research on the effects of tire habitats on the ecology of <em>Aedes albopictus</em>, and published a study in PLOS One. Discarded vehicle tires degrade under ultraviolet light and leach numerous soluble metals (e.g., barium, cadmium, zinc) and organic substances (e.g., benzothiazole and its derivatives [BZTs], polyaromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs]) that could affect mosquito larvae that inhabit the tire casing. This study examined the relationship between soluble zinc, a common marker of tire leachate, on mosquito densities in tire habitats in the field, and tested the effects of tire leachate on the survival and development of newly hatched <em>Aedes albopictus </em>and <em>Aedes triseriatus </em>larvae in a controlled laboratory dose-response experiment. In the field, zinc concentrations were as high as 7.26 mg/L in a single tire and averaged as high as 2.39 (SE &plusmn; 1.17) mg/L among tires at a single site. <em>Aedes albopictus </em>(37/42 tires, 81.1%) and <em>Ae. triseriatus </em>(23/42, 54.8%) were the most widespread mosquito species, co-occurred in over half (22/42, 52.4%) of all tires, and <em>A. triseriatus </em>was only collected without Ae. albopictus in one tire. Aedes triseriatus was more strongly negatively associated with zinc concentration than Ae. albopictus, and another common mosquito, <em>Cx. pipiens</em>, which was found in 17 tires. In the laboratory experiment, <em>Ae. albopictus </em>per capita rate of population change (&lambda;&prime;) was over 1.0, indicating positive population growth, from 0&ndash;8.9 mg/L zinc concentration (0&ndash;10,000 mg/L tire leachate), but steeply declined to zero from 44.50&ndash;89.00 mg/L zinc (50,000&ndash;100,000 mg/L tire leachate). In contrast, <em>Ae. triseriatus</em> &lambda;&prime; declined at the lower concentration of 0.05 mg/L zinc (100 mg/L tire leachate), and was zero at 0.45, 8.90, 44.50, and 89.00 mg/L zinc (500, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 mg/L tire leachate). These results indicate that tire leachate can have severe negative effects on populations of container-utilizing mosquitoes at concentrations commonly found in the field. Superior tolerance to tire leachate of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> compared to <em>Ae. triseriatus</em>, and possibly other native mosquito species, may have facilitated the replacement of these native species as <em>Ae. albopictus</em> has invaded North America and other regions around the world.</p><br /> <p>Dr. Leisnham (University of Maryland) and his MS student, Kanoko Maeda, completed a study to examine the potential of disconnected downspouts at providing important developmental habitat to urban mosquitoes in two residential watersheds in Maryland, as well as the social factors that may influence mosquito production in both disconnected gutters and other container habitats. A questionnaire on water resources and stormwater management was deployed to residents in 2014-15 that revealed overwhelming concern of mosquito breeding in stormwater structures among respondents (77.7%, 233/299), and that disconnected downspouts were the most common stormwater best management practice (BMP) by residential households. Yard mosquito surveys in the summer of 2016 found that almost all of the disconnected downspouts that held water (32/39, 82.1%) included a black plastic corrugated extension. The most common mosquito collected across all habitats was <em>Aedes albopictus</em> (49.6%) followed by <em>Culex pipiens</em> (30.7%) but only <em>Ae. albopictus</em> was collected from disconnected downspouts. Disconnected downspouts had lower mosquito abundances when compared to other types of water-holding containers, including trash cans, tarps, or trash, and abundances of other containers and not disconnected downspouts were a predictor of household mosquito abundances. A knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) questionnaire revealed that respondent age predicted container source reduction when controlling for other factors, with younger respondents (.</p><br /> <p>Leisnham and colleagues continued their research on the linkages between the social and institutional processes behind residential abandonment, urban ecology, and the interactions of socio-ecological processes with abiotic drivers of <em>Aedes albopictus</em> production. This research was published in the Journal of Medical Entomology. Specifically, they tested the relative roles of infrastructure degradation and vegetation for explaining the presence of <em>Aedes albopictus</em> Skuse 1894 to better predict spatial heterogeneity in mosquito exposure risk within urban environments. We further examine how precipitation interacts with these socially underpinned biophysical variables. We use a hierarchical statistical modeling approach to assess how environmental and climatic conditions over 3 years influence mosquito ecology across a socioeconomic gradient in Baltimore, MD. We show that decaying infrastructure and vegetation are important determinants of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> infestation. We demonstrate that both precipitation and vegetation influence mosquito production in ways that are mediated by the level of infrastructural decay on a given block. Mosquitoes were more common on blocks with greater abandonment, but when precipitation was low, mosquitoes were more likely to be found in higher-income neighborhoods with managed container habitat. Likewise, although increased vegetation was a negative predictor of mosquito infestation, more vegetation on blocks with high abandonment was associated with the largest mosquito populations. These findings indicate that fine spatial scale modeling of mosquito habitat within urban areas is needed to more accurately target vector control.</p><br /> <p>Dr. Harrington (Cornell) has been working on three aspects of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> invasion ecology in New York State with graduate student Talya Shragai to understand their abundance, spatial distribution, and habitat preference in order to optimize control and monitoring strategies. They conducted a series of larval surveys over two years across nine sites in residential neighborhoods in southern New York that covered a range of socio-economic status and percent impervious surface. While in the first year, an average of 7.3% of water-holding containers surveyed were positive for <em>Ae. albopictus</em>, in the second year an average of 28.4% of containers were positive, showing a dramatic variability in abundance from year to year. <em>Ae. albopictus</em> were more likely to be found in shaded containers with dead organic material, but were not more likely to be found in any one container type. While in 2016, neither median household income nor percent impervious surface predicted <em>Ae. albopictus</em> abundance, in 2017, sites with greater impervious surface were more heavily infested. In both years, <em>Ae. albopictus</em> distribution was more clustered in sites with greater median household income. There was a near doubling of the overall mosquito abundance from 2016 to 2017.&nbsp; They infer that biting risk is non-homogenously distributed based on income level and urban development, indicating that different control strategies would be most efficient depending on these measures.&nbsp; This work is currently in manuscript with a planned submission to the Journal of Medical Entomology in January 2018.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br /> <p>A related project was conducted with Cornell engineering graduate student Elizabeth Case using UAVs (drones) and machine learning to evaluate UAVs for monitoring <em>Ae. albopictus</em> larval habitats. For this project, two neighborhoods comprising 125 houses in a densely-populated area of southern New York, were surveyed over nine days in 2017 with a UAV. The UAV survey coincided with an entomological survey, which was conducted on a subset of the houses to establish the presence and distribution of mosquito species. Of the 629 containers surveyed on all properties, 64% could be seen from the UAV, with almost 2,000 more features identified from the aerial images (e.g. from houses that were not surveyed). In total, more than 2500 objects of interest (containers suitable mosquito habitat or related features) were annotated. Two previously published neural network architectures were trained on this dataset. Single Shot Multibox Detection was used for image segmentation, achieving an average precision of 59%, a recall of 35%, and an overall accuracy of 31%. Separately, a fully convolutional neural net based on the VGG16 architecture successfully identified properties as positive or negative for Ae. albopictus larvae 80% of the time.</p><br /> <p>A third Cornell project focuses on characterizing the phenology of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> entry into diapause in the field along the edge of their invasive US range. They are testing the hypothesis that <em>Ae. albopictus</em> diapause induction is both a rapidly adapting and phenotypically plastic trait, especially along its northern range of invasion. Two field seasons are planned.&nbsp; Ovitraps were deployed from 28 August to 31st October 2017 in 38 locations covering a range of urbanization, SES status and impervious surface.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Testing of diapause status of eggs from season one is underway and results to date are preliminary. The ovitraps themselves were highly successful at trapping eggs - egg count was highest from our first collection and dropped gradually as the weeks progressed, with one week of sharp increase in October. Percent hatch rate seemed to follow trends in temperature data collected at the traps with a 1-2 week lag; as temperatures rose, so did hatch rate. Collectively, these results indicate that: 1) temperature may play a large role in diapause and there is a strong phenotypically plastic response to the environment, 2) the population-wide switch from non-diapause to diapause can be gradual and non-linear, and 3) diapause behavior can vary between relatively nearby populations. These results are in contrast to previous studies on diapause for this species, and may help us both understand the basic science behind diapause and reshape models of current and future population dynamics.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A second season is planned for fall 2018.</p><br /> <p>A fourth Cornell project was develop an egg identification guide for Aedes container mosquitoes in NY. The guide includes a description of methods for preparing eggs and visualizing them under a compound scope as well as key features for clearly differentiating <em>Aedes albopictus</em> from <em>Ae. triseriatus</em> and <em>Ae. japonicus</em>.&nbsp; These features include geometry of chorion patterning, ridge shape and chorion reflectance.&nbsp; The completed guide will be made available on NEVBD&rsquo;s website.</p><br /> <p>Dr. Gabriel Hamer (Texas A&amp;M University) and colleagues have finished an investigation about indoor and outdoor surveillance of <em>Ae. aegypti</em> using Sentinel Autocidal Gravid Ovitraps (SAGO) and the manuscript is ready for submission to PLoS NTD. They also have completed the questionnaires of each home (n = 40) with indoor and outdoor SAGO traps to identify social-ecological factors influencing mosquito abundance. They have finished the first year of the randomized control trial of the Autocidal Gravid Ovitrap and are preparing for one more year.</p><br /> <p>Another Texas A&amp;M project tested the first field stable isotope experiment enriching A<em>e. aegypti</em> in about 300 natural containers in the field.&nbsp; The goal of this mark-capture experiment is to identify the success of source reduction campaigns, to compare relative productivity of tires to other container habitat, and to study dispersal of adult male and female <em>Ae. aegypti</em>.</p><br /> <p>Two collaborative projects were initiated by Drs. Goudarz Molaei (CT Ag. Exp. Station), Gabriel Hamer (Texas A&amp;M), and Laura Harrington (Cornell) to characterize the blood feeding and sugar feeding patterns of <em>Ae. </em>aegypt, <em>Ae. albopictus,</em>i and <em>Cx. quinquesfasicatus</em>.&nbsp;</p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 4: </strong>This research cluster focuses on the development of mosquito control and management tools for maintaining mosquito populations below nuisance levels and/or below epidemic levels for disease transmission. This includes a broad based approach to new toxicant discovery, screening of compounds derived from natural products, and evaluation of registered compounds for mosquitocidal activity.&nbsp; In addition, we are exploring gene silencing using RNAi technology as a method to knock down critical proteins in adult and larval mosquitoes with possible applications for control. Microsporidian parasites are known to infect many mosquitoes worldwide, but fundamental knowledge on the genomes of mosquito microsporidia and host-pathogen interactions are poorly known. These products will complement and expand the comprehensive scientific literature regarding operational technologies for mosquito surveillance and control that is already in existence.&nbsp;</p><br /> <p>Dr. Gaugler and colleagues from Rutgers University evaluated the efficacy of pyriproxyfen autodissemination stations for the control of container breeding mosquito species. Deployment resulted in a significant reduction in eggs and larval populations.&nbsp; Pupal mortality, as determined through bioassays, was significantly higher in the deployment sites.&nbsp; Stations contaminated 50% of junkyard and 40% of tire pile mosquito habitats. Pyriproxyfen was detected in sentinel cups up to 200m from stations.&nbsp; Detection of pyriproxyfen by residue analysis (0.005 to 0.741 &mu;g L-1) in field samples confirmed the transfer of the insect growth regulator. Use of larvicides with conventional spray methods often show difficulty in penetrating cryptic habitats, but the autodissemination approach, which exploits the oviposition behavior of the target pest, shows further promise.&nbsp;</p><br /> <p>In another study, Dr. Gaugler's lab showed that infectious preparasites of two mermithid nematode species could distinguish not only between infected and uninfected mosquito hosts, but even between different parasite loads in showing a strong preference for uninfected hosts or hosts with a low parasite load. Host heart rate declined briefly immediately after parasitism.&nbsp; Superparasitism resulted in increased parasite mortality.&nbsp; Scramble competition within mosquito larvae for limited host nutrients, coupled with a skewed sex ratio favoring males, is assumed to lead to parasite population decline and subsequently toward host-parasite population equilibrium.&nbsp; The ability of mermithid preparasites to accurately assess parasite load likely plays an important role in host population dynamics and regulation.</p><br /> <p>Males of the mosquito-parasitic nematode, <em>Strelkovimermis spiculatus</em> deposit an adhesive copulatory plug over the female vulva after insemination. In choice experiments, males strongly preferred virgin females, whereas plugged females were ignored. Males made no attempt to displace plugs deposited by previous males. &nbsp;Plugged females repelled males without physical contact. This chemical repellency was independent of females, since excised plugs alone showed the same negative male response. Plug removal shortly after mating reduced fecundity by 90%, presumably due to spermatids observed leaking from the vulva. The plug as a nutritional gift hypothesis was rejected because there was no post-mating reduction in plug size to suggest absorption. Despite being a male adaption to sperm competition, we conclude that the copulatory plug serves the fitness needs of both males and females in multiple roles that include paternity preservation, reduced male harassment, improved male search for mates, increased fecundity, and sperm retention.</p><br /> <p>Dr. Leisnham (University of Maryland) in collaboration with researchers at USDA-ARS, completed preliminary experiments that tested the effectiveness of a novel attractant compound (ARS1) for its potential use in &lsquo;attract and kill&rsquo; mosquito traps. Prior studies have shown that ARS1 was more attractive to blood-seeking Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti than carbon dioxide in simple laboratory choice assays. Field studies were conducted in late summer 2017 to test ARS1&rsquo;s attraction to both blood-seeking and ovipositing Ae. albopictus. An oviposition field study with sequential dilutions of ARS1 revealed an effect of compound concentration on numbers of oviposited eggs. Ovicups with 0.04% ARS1 had significantly higher egg numbers than ovicups with lower (0.008%) and higher (0.2%, 1%) concentrations, as well as the control of only distilled water. A before-after-control-intervention (BACI) study using BG Sentinel adult traps baited with an Octenol lure collected more female Ae. albopictus when they were additionally provisioned with ARS1 compared to control traps with the octanol lure only. The results of these studies suggest that ARS1 is attractive to both ovipositing and blood-seeking female Ae. albopictus, would likely be effective at increasing egg and adult collections, and have potential at future bait and kill mosquito traps.</p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 5: </strong>The key outcome will be training and training tools delivered to developing scientists within the field of Medical and Veterinary Entomology. Tools will be (1) a training course in conjunction with one or more Multistate meetings and (2) Publication of a position paper regarding the development of the next generation of scientists within our field.</p><br /> <p>&nbsp;No new updates.</p>

Publications

<ul><br /> <li>Allahverdipour H, J Karimi, R Talaei-Hassanloui, J Karimi, Y Wang &amp; R Gaugler. 2017. Production of <em>Culex pipiens</em> (Dip.: Culicidae) adults infected by <em>Strelkovimermis spiculatus</em> (Nematoda: Mermithidae) in autodissemination control strategy. J Entomol Soc Iran 37:125-34.</li><br /> <li>Armstrong PM, Andreadis TG, Shepard JJ, and Thomas MC (2017) Northern range expansion of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus): Analysis of mosquito data form Connecticut USA. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 11(5): e0005623.</li><br /> <li>Brackney DE and Armstrong PM (2016) Transmission and evolution of tick-borne viruses. Curr Opin in Virol 21:67-74.</li><br /> <li>Cahill ME, Yao Y, Nock D, Armstrong PM, Andreadis TG, Diuk-Wasser MA,Montgomery RR (2017) West Nile Virus Seroprevalence, Connecticut, USA, 2000-2014. Emerg Infect Dis 23(4):708-710.</li><br /> <li>Chandel, K, D Suman, Y Wang, I Unlu, E Williges, G Williams &amp; R Gaugler. 2016. Targeting a hidden enemy: pyriproxyfen autodissemination strategy for control of the container mosquito Aedes albopictus in cryptic habitats. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 10:e0005235.</li><br /> <li>Dong L, Y Wang, M Sanad, Y Xu &amp; R Gaugler. 2017. Foraging strategy for mosquito parasitic nematodes <em>Romanomermis iyengari</em> and Strelkovimermis spiculatus. Biol Contr 110:56-61.</li><br /> <li>Faraji A, I Unlu, T Crepeau, S Healy, S Crans, G Lizarraga, D Fonseca &amp; R Gaugler. 2016. Droplet characterization and penetration of an ultra-low volume mosquito adulticide spray targeting the Asian tiger mosquito, <em>Aedes albopictus</em>, within urban and suburban environments of northeastern USA. PLoS ONE 11:e0152069.</li><br /> <li>Gaugler, D Suman, Y Wang. 2016. Autodissemination of an insect-growth regulator for insect management. US Patent 15,050,439.</li><br /> <li>Gaugler, Wang, Chandel, D Suman. 2017. Collapsible stackable disposable inexpensive pesticide free traps and attractant for surveillance and control of <em>Aedes</em> container breeding mosquitos. US Patent 20,170,000,101.</li><br /> <li>Grubaugh ND, R&uuml;ckert C, Armstrong PM, Bransfield A, Anderson JF, Ebel GD,and Brackney DE (2016) Transmission bottlenecks and RNAi collectively influence tick-borne flavivirus evolution. Virus Evol 2(2):vew033.</li><br /> <li>Lan Y, Y Wang &amp; R Gaugler. 2017. The role of copulatory plugs in the mosquito-parasitic nematode Strelkovimermis spiculatus. J Invertebr Pathol 146:53-7.</li><br /> <li>Levine RS, Hedeen DL, Hedeen MW, Hamer GL, Mead DG, Kitron UD. 2017. Avian species diversity and transmission of West Nile virus in Atlanta, Georgia. Parasit Vectors 10(1):62.</li><br /> <li>Levine RS, Mead DG, Hamer GL, Brosi BJ, Hedeen DL, Hedeen MW, McMillan JR, Bisanzio D, Kitron UD. 2016. Supersuppression: Reservoir Competency and Timing of Mosquito Host Shifts Combine to Reduce Spillover of West Nile Virus. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 95(5):1174-1184.</li><br /> <li>Little, E., P.T. Leisnham, D. Biehler, R. Jordan, S. Wilson, S.L. LaDeau. 2017. Socio-ecological mechanisms supporting high densities of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> in Baltimore, MD. Journal of Medical Entomology doi: 10.1093/jme/tjx103.</li><br /> <li>Loss SR, Noden BH, Hamer GL, Hamer SA. 2016. A quantitative synthesis of the role of birds in carrying ticks and tick-borne pathogens in North America. Oecologia. 182(4):947-959.</li><br /> <li>Medeiros MC, Boothe EC, Roark EB, Hamer GL. 2017. Dispersal of male and female <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em> and <em>Aedes albopictus</em> mosquitoes using stable isotope enrichment. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 11(1):e0005347.</li><br /> <li>Medeiros MC, Ricklefs RE, Brawn JD, Ruiz MO, Goldberg TL, Hamer GL. 2016. Overlap in the seasonal infection patterns of avian malaria parasites and West Nile virus in vectors and hosts. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 95(5):1121-1129.</li><br /> <li>Newman CM, Krebs BL, Anderson TK, Hamer GL, Ruiz MO, Brawn JD, Brown WM, Kitron UD, Goldberg TL. 2017. <em>Culex</em> flavivirus during West Nile virus epidemic and interepidemic years in Chicago, United States. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 17(8):567-575.</li><br /> <li>Sanad M, M Shamseldean, Y Wang, J Sun &amp; R Gaugler. 2017. Superparasitism and population regulation of the mosquito-parasitic mermithid nematodes <em>Romanomermis iyengari</em> and <em>Strelkovimermis spiculatus</em>. J Nematol 49: 316-20.</li><br /> <li>Shragai T, Tesla B, Murdock C and Harrington LC. 2017. Zika and Chikungunya: mosquito-borne viruses in a changing world. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. doi: 10.1111/nyas.13306</li><br /> <li>Shragai T and Harrington L.C. 2017. Egg identification guide for<em> Ae. albopictus</em> in the Northeast USA.</li><br /> <li>Soghigian J. G. Ridge. K. Stafford, G. Molaei. 2017. The first evidence of nanism in <em>Ixodes (Ixodes) scapularis</em> (Acari: Ixodidae), found parasitizing a human host. Journal of Medical Entomology 1&ndash;5 doi: 10.1093/jme/tjx111.</li><br /> <li>Stafford III KC. SC. Williams, G. Molaei. 2017.&nbsp;Integrated pest management in controlling ticks and tick-associated diseases. Journal of Integrated Pest Management, 8(1): 28; 1&ndash;7 doi: 10.1093/jipm/pmx018</li><br /> <li>Suman D, Yi Wang, Ary Faraji, G Williams, E Williges &amp; R Gaugler. 2017. Seasonal field efficacy of autodissemination stations against container-inhabiting mosquito Aedes albopictus under different habitat conditions. Pest Manag Sci DOI: 10.1002/ps.4780.</li><br /> <li>Unlu I, D Suman, Y Wang, I Rochlin, K Klingler, A Faraji &amp; R Gaugler. 2017. Effectiveness of autodissemination stations containing pyriproxyfen in reducing immature <em>Aedes albopictus</em> populations. Parasit Vectors 10:139. 10.1186/s13071-017-2034-7.</li><br /> <li>Unlu I, D Suman, Y Wang, G Williams, I Rochlin, K Chandel &amp; R Gaugler. 2017. Evaluation of lambda-cyhalothrin and pyriproxyfen barrier treatments for <em>Aedes albopictus</em> management in urbanized areas of New Jersey. J Med Entomol (in press).</li><br /> <li>Villena, O.C., I. Terry, K. Iwata, E.R. Landa, S.L. LaDeau, P.T. Leisnham, P.T. 2017. Effects of tire leachate on the invasive mosquito <em>Aedes albopictus</em> and the native congener <em>Aedes triseriatus</em>. PeerJ, 5, p.e3756.</li><br /> <li>Williams &amp; Gaugler. 2017. Dispensers and methods of use thereof for dispensing solid mosquito larvicides and other materials of interest. US Patent 20,170,273,293.</li><br /> <li>Williams SC, KC Stafford III, G Molaei, MA Linske. 2017.&nbsp; Integrated control of Ixodes scapularis: Effectiveness of white-tailed deer reduction, the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, and fipronil-based rodent bait boxes. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases&nbsp;DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2146</li><br /> </ul>

Impact Statements

1. Develop training and training tools to scientists within the field of Medical and Veterinary Entomology

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Report Information

Participants

Theodore Andreadis (AA), Phil Armstrong, James Becnel, Jim Cilek, Gabriel Hamer, Laura Harrington, Philip Kaufman, Jonas King, Paul Leisnham, Berlin Londoño, Michael Reiskind, Rui-De Xue

Virtual Participation (Dial In Conference Line): Stephen Dobson, Jannelle Couret

Brief Summary of Minutes

Opening- Dr. Mustapha Debboun, retired colonel,
Director of Harris County Mosquito and Vector Control Division, Houston, TX. Overview of arbovirus surveillance and vector control in Harris County and city of Houston.

Dr. Derric Nimmo, Oxitec, UK. Sterile insect-based approaches: the future of mosquito control?

Randy Buckley, University of Florida. Wide angle UV-LEDs for use in mosquito light traps.

Dr. Hoonbok Wi, Professor of Seoul Women University, Seoul, Korea. Implementation and real impact of smart mosquito device system at the Metropolitan cities in South Korea.

The preliminary business meeting was held.

Dr. Philip Armstrong, the current Chair, began by stating it had been a busy year with multi-state NE1443, addressing many problems and working with the CDC Centers of Excellence to leverage our expertise to address threats such as Zika virus, Chikungunya, etc. This is the fourth year of the multistate, second year with Phil as chair. Dr. Armstrong stated that the group was here today looking for opportunities to collaborate and for possible funding that could be applied for.

Dr. Theodore Andreadis, Administrative Advisor then covered some administrative items. There are 32 formal participants in NE1443 from 24 land-grant universities and 4 non-land grant entities. But participation is “less than stellar”. By a count of hands, there were only about 20 people total present. The President’s budget “zeroed out” multistate capacity funds but it did not pass Congress. A continuing resolution is likely, but in any case, this project terminates September 30, 2019, and we will need to request a rewrite in September 2018, which will be due in March 2018. Ted then asked, “do we want to continue?” cooperation is low; however, the Centers of Excellence offer new opportunities for cooperation. There was then discussion led by Dr. Andreadis of the “regional” definition and experiment stations and NIMSS. He then talked about the potential of leveraging a larger USDA grant for the group.

Drs. Paul Leisnham and Laura Harrington discussed integration between the multistate and the CDC Centers of Excellence, with Laura Harrington saying that in her state of New York, there has been extensive collaboration in the past year. Dr. Phillip Kaufman says it will take time for groups to mesh, that the idea of the multistate complex is to draw on ideas that wouldn’t otherwise be possible in individual states. He stresses that individual resources from the USDA or industry would be helpful.

Dr. James Becnel then said that other multistate groups, i.e the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, are more focused and that’s better. This group is simply too diverse and there are too many non-participating members. Maybe we should focus, and this is generally agreed upon.

Dr. Berlin Londoño introduced herself and that she works on the human aspect and has no idea about reports because she just joined the project recently.

Dr. Andreadis said that a report is due within 60 days. He then asked if it was thought that funding for travel to this meeting affected participation. It was generally agreed that yes, travel funding did affect participation. Ted said he could send a reminder to institutions to remind the directors that the travel to meetings should always be supported. Directors should like us to participate in multi-state projects as 25% of multistate participation is needed to receive capacity funds.

Drs. Leisnham, Hamer, Reiskind said that we had to be strategic about leveraging future funding and that the problem is that other multi-states go for USDA funding, but USDA doesn’t fund much mosquito research. Leisnham, Hamer, Reiskind, Kaufman said that ticks would be better for USDA funding. The group discussed how this multistate project was supposed to get results in 3-5 years but the grants leveraged don’t have to be USDA grants.

Dr. Becnel said a lot of us do surveillance, and could we work together on that? We could generate preliminary data and then use that to go for grants.

Dr. Kaufman said that livestock pests got split up into the past into separate multi-states and that it helped them. They added an extension component, and it kicked out some “dead weight”, and each member had an assigned role. Phil Armstrong and Laura Harrington said haven’t we been doing that. It was generally agreed that we have been achieving this through individual work.

Dr. Kaufman then said we need to not be late on the rewrite. Drs. Andreadis, Hamer, Armstrong, Becnel then discussed how Aedes aegypti expansion and population genetics might be good to focus on in the rewrite. But we need to be concrete about what each group in the multistate group does and what will be done during the course of the timeline. It was generally agreed that focusing the grant in was generally a good idea.

There was then a long discussion about general ideas, including the displacement of Aedes aegypti by Aedes albopictus, the potential for incorporating climate change into these studies.

BREAK.

Dr. Philip Kaufman, University of Florida then gave a talk titled “Prevalence and distribution of pathogen infection and permethrin resistance in tropical and temperate brown dog tick populations”.

There was a long discussion of how regional multi-state projects could collaborate with some of these large, new research centers.

There were member introductions.

Review of Major Objectives and Goals

Objective 1: Development of parasitic and arthropod catalog/resources. James Becnel then said that the data set of vector resources has been fully compiled and that BEI resources are interested mostly in human pathogens and vectors, while our original idea was to include ag and vet pest cell lines. The database went from excel to a fillable form format for cataloging and we will try to have everything finalized within the next 3 months. Group discussion regarding permit requirements through APHIS occurred.

Action Items: 1) decide upon a database program to use, 2) establish a curation committee, 3) compile shipping/regulatory information and 4) work towards a publication.

Objective 2:  Integrated tick management and community-centered approaches, including understanding the biology and ecology of novel and emerging tick-borne pathogens. Dr. Armstrong discussed some important recent findings. He discussed Powassan virus (POWV) and Lyme disease in the northeast and reported that he had found a surprisingly high prevalence of Powassan virus (POWV) in the regional Ixodes. 2-3% of adult ticks carry the virus, and it differs from Lyme disease and is spread almost instantly. It is present in the salivary glands. The first human case in Connecticut was in 2016. Viral sequencing for genetic variation and there are 2 persistent strains in the region. During earlier Lyme work in the area, there were no viral agents found in Ixodes. The virus seems like it’s moving through, with 10-20% lethality in reported cases. But human infections are fairly rare. He stated that there were no commercial tests, and this is mostly an unreported disease that is mild in most patients. Follow-up comments clarified that POWV has been isolated from multiple Ixodes species, including Ixodes scapularis and I. cookie. Deer tick virus, which is closely related to POWV, has been isolated from Ixodes scapularis. 

Drs. Harrington, Hamer, Andreadis discussed tick work involving the NE CDC Centers of Excellence pertaining to veterinary school diagnostics and post-doctoral researchers working on mapping projects. They also discussed the difference in active versus passive tick surveillance in the region, and that passive might be better based on some literature. It was also mentioned that over-wintering Lone Star ticks might be moving north into Connecticut while Ixodes scapularis might be moving further south and bringing Lyme disease with them.

Action Items: 1) increase surveillance of environmental risks, 2) describe the importance of coinfection and 3) focus research on the IPM of ticks

LUNCH

Dr. Daniel Dixon of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District, “Field comparison of CDC’s AGO traps and In2Care traps for control of Aedes mosquitoes in St. Augustine, FL”

Objective 3: Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, with a focus on surveillance, range, expansion, ecology, genetics, climate change and disease risk. Dr. Harrington said there were 4 projects in this area that she was involved with. First was Aedes albopictus surveillance in the New York metro area, second is the citizen’s science project looking at Aedes range expansion, the third involves drone imaging to recognize container density, the fourth is egg identification of Aedes japonicus versus Aedes triseratus.

Dr. Leisnham discussed his projects, namely: 1. Aedes albopictus ecology in the Baltimore area and that he has found trends with income gradient, greenspace, and precipitation effects. 2. Ae. albopictus versus Culex competition in tires where they found Culex negatively affecting Aedes population performance in tires exposed to high UV light. Also noted that Zinc, a marker tire contaminant, was found in higher concentrations in Aedes vs Culex adult mosquitoes. Lastly, he discussed overwintering survival in different container types. 

Dr. Reiskind then discussed several projects. 1. Fine-scale distribution maps for Aedes mosquitoes in Florida counties where habitat segregation between con-generic species was seen. This effort was aimed at predictive modeling capabilities. 2. Relationship of Aedes populations with complex social factors in human populations. 3. Fine-scale gene flow with human traffic on roads, etc. this project uses SNP sequencing to track population changes in mosquitoes.

Dr. King then discusses two projects. 1. Collaboration looking at effects of carbon nitrogen and Zika virus infection on Aedes aegypti vector competence. 2. Molecular surveillance of mixed insect traps. Asked for samples.

Drs. Reiskind and Harrington then put forth the idea that interstate collections and fine-scale population genetics could be used to study the interstate movement of important vector species. This would allow for members of the multistate to work together and to apply for competitive funding together. The main species discussed was Aedes albopictus. Dr. Becnel chimed in that Aedes pesticide resistance project had collected them from all over the eastern US, that Ae. albopictus was collected and he probably has lots of eggs and DNA stored for use in such joint projects. Philip Armstrong added in that Aedes albopictus seemed to be expanding its range in Connecticut recently and that winter temperature seemed to have a strong effect. Drs. Reiskind, Becnel, Harrington, and Armstrong then engaged in a discussion of rural versus urban Aedes population dynamics in the eastern US. They also discussed developing better collection techniques, i.e trap types, lure bait, etc.

Action Items: None identified.

Objective 4: New control tools, including socio-ecological approaches. No members present.

Action Items: None identified

Objective 5: Training and training tools. Dr. Leisnham discussed that this Objective had proposed to host a workshop and write a paper on needed training and certification programs for medical entomologists but that these were before the recently established CDC Centers of Excellence and AMCA CDC Training and Certification programs and therefore this Objective are at a plateau point. It was agreed that the Medical Entomology landscape had changed with regards to training, making and this Objective obsolete. Nonetheless, the production of Medical Entomology academic courses that was produced in the first two years was still considered useful.

Action Items: None identified

Group discussion involved whether or not we should apply to continue NE1443, and if so, what direction do we want to steer the project. Harrington and Armstrong indicated that they wanted the project to continue, but could not chair the application committee. Leisnham talked of moving forward with the pros and cons of having broad versus narrow objectives; specifically, that broad objectives are good for establishing connections and for numbers in publications. Whereas one or 2 specific aims could help us focus in on research topics that would help facilitate interstate projects. Andreadis said that we basically need to revise to reassign a priority area.

Dr. Andreadis said that he could stay on as the administrative advisor, Harrington led a discussion for 2 objectives for the renewal: 1. Interstate population landscape genetics. 2. Novel surveillance of viruses and insects. There was a discussion of the desire for a third aim if needed. These first two aims leave out ticks, and there was a discussion that a third aim would have to include ticks. Followup comments indicated some favor to focus on the invasive longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) which has been detected in New Jersey.

Group discussion on potential funding sources and development of prospective collaborative proposals.

There was another discussion on where the meeting should be held next year in order to increase attendance. A number of participants favored the current March date while others did not. There were suggestions to attach it to a larger meeting but some participants raised the challenges of choosing a mutually agreeable meeting and the potential of higher costs. No location was finally decided.

Closing: Dr. Paul Leisnham takes on the role as the new Chair of NE1443, and he agrees to act as the leader for the renewal submission for 2018-2019. Jonas King will continue as secretary for the next year.

Overall action items:

Minutes completed and circulated

Decide on the venue for the 2019 meeting, which might increase participation

Dr. Andreadis look up alternative multistate type

Meeting adjourned at 5 pm.

 

Accomplishments

<p><strong>Objective 1:&nbsp;</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">The aim of this project is to support and promote available resources such as the BEI Resources established by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for human pathogens and to identify alternative sources for vector resources beyond those found in BEI. The main objective is to support, promote, and enlarge the BEI resource for pathogens and vectors of human disease to include the identification and development of alternative resources that can be used to facilitate the study of arthropod vectors and arthropod-borne zoonotic disease agents of human and animal health importance.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A comprehensive listing has been compiled to include more than 70 laboratory colonies of mosquitoes, sandflies, muscoid flies,&nbsp;<br />Culicoides, and ticks, and arthropod cell lines derived from ticks, mosquitoes, sand flies, and Culicoides.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The database has been converted from an excel file to bring a fillable form format for cataloging and we will try to have everything finalized within the next 3 months</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 2:&nbsp;</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">The rapid increase in the incidence of human illness due to tick-borne pathogens requires better integration of available management options as well as&nbsp;the development&nbsp;of new approaches. The aim of this project is to improve methods for assessment of infection status of ticks and reservoirs, to assess ecological risk of tick-borne pathogens and features that regulate tick density, and to test and develop methods for suppression of ticks or pathogens in urban and suburban environments.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Armstrong and participants continued a multi-year survey to evaluate the spatial distribution and environmental risk of Powassan virus (POWV) infection by determining the prevalence of POWV in field-collected </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">I.&nbsp;scapularis</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;from Connecticut. To date, a total of 1077 </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">I.&nbsp;scapularis</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;nymphs and 1803 adults were assayed for virus infection.&nbsp; POWV was recovered from 4 nymphal ticks (0.4%) and from 17 adult ticks (0.9%) in four locations in Connecticut (Bridgeport, Lyme, Redding, and North Branford). &nbsp;This investigation shows that POWV is distributed in foci throughout Connecticut where it infects a low proportion of&nbsp;human-biting&nbsp;ticks. Infection rates were more than 2-fold higher in adult than nymphal ticks.&nbsp; Given that POWV may be transmitted within 15 minutes of tick attachment as compared with the agents of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis which takes at least 48 hours, the adult tick may be an important source of human infection of POWV.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lyme disease (LD) is the most important tick-associated disease in the United States. A variety of prevention and control methods, including personal protective measures, habitat modification, applications of biological and natural compounds, and host-targeted control measures, have been examined for reducing tick abundance and risk for LD. Most of these approaches have met with varying degrees of success. Dr. Molaei and colleagues are exploring &nbsp;the efficacy of integrated and individual tick control measures&nbsp;by:&nbsp;1) developing a reduced risk/integrated tick management (ITM) approach to tick control, using an array of least-toxic tick control measures, in a residential community, that is effective, safe, inexpensive, and simple to implement, 2) measuring efficacy of individual methods and an ITM approach to reduce infected ticks, infected reservoirs, and questing tick populations as a means of reducing the risk of tick-borne disease and LD incidence, 3) determining most effective timing and method of implementation of each tick control method and analyze costs for individual components of an ITM program, the ITM program as a whole, and individual costs to the homeowner, and 4) creating a decision support system that provides guidance to homeowners on the risk of acquisition of LD. The project should result in reduced pesticide use, easy access to information on tick management strategies, the adoption and use of various cost-effective tick management approaches by homeowners, and the ability of communities to design an ITM system to reduce the risk of LD.</span></p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 3:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;This Objective focuses&nbsp;on the surveillance, range expansion, ecology, genetics, and disease risk of&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.&nbsp;albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;and&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.&nbsp;aegypti.</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;Although much work has been conducted already on these species, not enough is known about their recent biology, especially in areas where&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.&nbsp;albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;has recently invaded (Northeastern States), or where a resurgence in population abundance is occurring for&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.&nbsp;aegypti</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;(Florida) where it overlaps with&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.&nbsp;albopictus.</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;&nbsp;This objective will produce the following: (1) development of new data on overwintering survival of the Asian tiger mosquito (2) development of predictive models for vector range expansion and disease transmission, and (3) recommendations best practices for vector control and disease intervention in the face of an outbreak.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The northern distribution limit for&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.&nbsp;albopictus&nbsp;</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">is estimated to be between the 0</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">o</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;and -5</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">o</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;C mean winter temperature isotherms based on its distribution in East Asia.&nbsp; The coast of southern Connecticut and Massachusetts is located within these isotherms and appear to possess suitable habitat and climatic conditions for future colonization.&nbsp; Dr. Armstrong and colleagues have continued to sample larval and adult mosquitoes from locations in Connecticut to determine the extent of the&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.&nbsp;albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;infestation and to evaluate its overwintering success in this region.&nbsp; </span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Leisnham, his PhD student, Oswaldo Villena, and colleagues continued their research on the effects of tire habitats on the ecology of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aedes albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Discarded vehicle tires degrade under ultraviolet light (UV) and leach numerous soluble metals (e.g., barium, cadmium, zinc) and organic substances (e.g., benzothiazole and its derivatives [BZTs], polyaromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs]) that could affect mosquito larvae that inhabit the tire casing. One specific study examined the relationship between soluble zinc, as a marker of tire leachate, on mosquito densities in tire habitats in the field and tested the effects of tire leachate on the survival and development of newly hatched </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aedes albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aedes triseriatus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (a co-occurring species) larvae in a controlled laboratory dose-response experiment. This work was published in the journal PeerJ.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Leisnham and colleagues also continued their research on the linkages between the social and institutional processes behind residential abandonment, urban ecology, and the interactions of socio-ecological processes with abiotic drivers of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> production. This research was published in the Journal of Medical Entomology. Specifically, the relative roles of infrastructure degradation, vegetation, and rainfall were tested for explaining the presence of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to better predict spatial heterogeneity in mosquito exposure risk within urban Baltimore. One key result was that </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">was more common on blocks with greater abandonment, but when precipitation was low, was more likely to be found in higher-income neighborhoods with managed container habitat. Likewise, although increased vegetation was a negative predictor of mosquito infestation, more vegetation on blocks with high abandonment was associated with the largest </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> populations. </span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Drs. Leisnham and Fonseca collaborated with colleagues to identify and assess spatial patterns of host-use by </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">and other urban mosquitoes Baltimore across heterogeneous socio-economic and ecological conditions. This work was published in the journal Parasites and Vectors.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Laura Harrington continued experiments to understand winter egg survival under different temperatures. Additionally, data on winter temperature in diapause habitats&nbsp;were&nbsp;recorded with data loggers in three field sites in the Lower Hudson River Valley, NY that have well established Asian tiger mosquito populations. Mosquito control personnel in these regions to collaborate with were identified on this project. Follow up surveys will further characterize the current zone of infestation for this species in NYS.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Leisnham is conducting a similar but independent study comparing seasonal changes in summer and winter temperatures among common artificial container habitats in the field (i.e., used tire, plastic cup, pottery planter, plastic corrugated tubing, plastic bucket) using data loggers. Data was also collected on&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.&nbsp;albopictus&nbsp;</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">oviposition activity. Preliminary data from the first year of the study indicate potentially important variation in the seasonal temperature profiles among different container types that may affect larval survival and development in the&nbsp;summer&nbsp;and egg survival in the winter.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Hammer is continuing work on socio-ecological dynamics and citizen science in border communities.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Drs. Dan Kline and Paul Leisnham are working with mosquito control districts in New Jersey (Dr. Isik Unlu, Mercer Co.) and Florida (James&nbsp;McNelly, Volusia Co.) to understand geographical variation in the seasonal patterns of&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.&nbsp;albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;oviposition and egg ecology, and to develop more accurate&nbsp;degree-day&nbsp;models for northern vs. southern populations. Weekly&nbsp;ovitrapping&nbsp;was conducted from the spring through early fall in 2015 at two sites in the north (New Jersey and Maryland) and two sites in Florida. Ovitrapping has continued into 2016 for the two sites in Florida. The data is currently being analyzed.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Londono talked about the efforts in her lab to develop human-vector contact markers using whole salivary gland extract and specific mosquito salivary peptides in ELISA based test. Her lab is currently evaluating the relevance of IgG antibody levels against salivary proteins to evaluate and predict the risk of disease in endemic areas.</span></p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 4:&nbsp;</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">This research cluster focuses on the development of mosquito control and management tools for maintaining mosquito populations below nuisance levels and/or below epidemic levels for disease transmission. This includes a&nbsp;broad-based&nbsp;approach to new toxicant discovery, screening of compounds derived from natural products, and evaluation of registered compounds for mosquitocidal activity.&nbsp; In addition, we are exploring gene silencing using RNAi technology as a method to knock down critical proteins in adult and larval mosquitoes with possible applications for control. Microsporidian parasites are known to infect many mosquitoes worldwide, but fundamental knowledge on the genomes of mosquito microsporidia and host-pathogen interactions are poorly known. These products will complement and expand the comprehensive scientific literature regarding operational technologies for mosquito surveillance and control that is already in existence.&nbsp;</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Dobson has implemented Wolbachia trials to control </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.albopictus&nbsp;</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">in&nbsp;California and initial results are promising.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Vaidyanathan and Dr. Becnel are investigating the application of dsRNA technologies for potential mosquito control efforts. </span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Leisnham is evaluating the effectiveness of different strategies for community outreach for vector control interventions. &nbsp;He has identified a number of public misconceptions ranging from mosquitoes vectoring&nbsp;HIV&nbsp;to a great fear of male mosquito releases that have consequences on the implementation of control efforts. Leisnham and his MS student, Kanoko Maeda, completed a study to examine the potential of disconnected downspouts at providing important developmental habitat to urban mosquitoes in two residential watersheds in Maryland, as well as the social factors that may influence mosquito production in both disconnected gutters and other container habitats. The key result was that disconnected downspouts had much lower mosquito abundances when compared to other types of water-holding containers, including trash cans, tarps, or trash, and abundances of other containers and not disconnected downspouts were a predictor of household mosquito abundances. A knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) questionnaire revealed that respondent age predicted container source reduction when controlling for other factors, with younger respondents (&lt;50 years old) less likely to undertake this practice. This study concludes that disconnected gutters are unlikely to be an important mosquito developmental habitat compared to other containers in our study watersheds, and that source reduction education and outreach should target younger residents.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Dina Fonseca&nbsp;is testing the success of a new model of urban mosquito control. The key innovation is the mobilization of neighbors guided by scientific advisors, an approach she termed Citizen Action through Science (Citizen AcTS). This approach was tested in a NE US town of approximately 1,000 residential yards infested with the invasive Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, a major nuisance and arboviral vector. They submitted a manuscript reporting a highly significant (76%) reduction in biting pressure that was maintained over time, based on a standard 80% deployment of lethal oviposition traps by residents. The Citizen AcTS model rejects the top-down approach consistently associated with intervention failures. Instead, it works through respectful exchanges among scientists and residents that lead to trust and individual &lsquo;buy-in&rsquo; and transferring program ownership to the community. In 2018 three communities in MD, one in Washington DC and two in NJ are developing this approach for urban mosquito control. In NJ, professional mosquito control programs are stepping in as the scientific advisors.</span></p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 5:&nbsp;</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">The key outcome will be training and training tools delivered to developing scientists within the field of Medical and Veterinary Entomology. Tools will be (1) a training course in conjunction with one or more Multistate meetings and (2) Publication of a position paper regarding the development of the next generation of scientists within our field.</span></p><br /> <p>No new updates.</p><br /> <p>&nbsp;</p>

Publications

<ul><br /> <li>Altintop, M. D., Tabanca, N., Becnel, J. J., Bloomquist, J.R., Kaplancikli, Z. A., Ozdemir, A. (2018). Synthesis and Mosquitocidal Activity of a Series of Hydrazone Derivatives against <em>Aedes aegypti</em>. &nbsp;<em>Letters in Drug Design &amp; Discovery</em> 15 (6) 671-677.</li><br /> <li>Baughman, T., C. Peterson, C. Ortega, S. R. Preston, C. Paton, J. Williams, A. Guy, G. Omodei, B. Johnson, H. Williams, S. L. O'Neill, S. A. Ritchie, S. L. Dobson and D. Madan (2017). "A highly stable blood meal alternative for rearing Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes." PLoS Negl Trop Dis 11(12): e0006142.</li><br /> <li>Dyachenko V, Steinmann M, Bangoura B, Selzer M, Munderloh U, Daugschies A, Barutzki D. 2017. Co-infection of <em>Trypanosoma pestanai </em>and<em> Anaplasma phagocytophilum</em> in a dog from Germany. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports. 9: 110-114.</li><br /> <li>El-Gamal, A., Al-Massarani, S., Fawzy, G., &nbsp;Ati, H., Al-Rehaily, A., Basudan, O., Abdel-Kader, M., &nbsp;Tabanca, N. &amp; Becnel, J. (2017) Chemical Composition of <em>Buddleja polystachya</em> Aerial Parts and its Bioactivity against <em>Aedes aegypti</em>, <em>Natural Product Research</em>, DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1378213</li><br /> <li>Estep, A. S., Sanscrainte, N. D., Waits, C. M., Louton, J. E., Becnel, J. J. (2017). &nbsp;Resistance Status and Resistance Mechanisms in a Strain of <em>Aedes aegypti</em> (Diptera: Culicidae) From Puerto Rico. <em>Journal of Medical Entomology</em>, 54 (6), 1643&ndash;1648, https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjx143</li><br /> <li>Goodman, H.; A. Egizi, D.M. Fonseca, P.T. Leisnham, S.L. LaDeau. Primary blood-hosts of mosquitoes are influenced by social and ecological conditions in a complex urban landscape. <em>Parasites and Vectors. 11: 218</em></li><br /> <li>Hauptmann M, Burkhardt N, Munderloh U, Kuehl S, Richardt U, Krasemann S, Hartmann K, Krech T, Fleischer B, Keller C, Osterloh A. 2017. GFPuv-expressing recombinant <em>Rickettsia typhi</em>: a useful tool for the study of pathogenesis and CD8+ T cell immunology in <em>Rickettsia typhi</em> infection. Infection and Immunity, 85: no. 6 e00156-17. PMCID: PMC5442613</li><br /> <li>Johnson BJ, Ritchie S, Fonseca DM 2017 The state of the art of lethal oviposition trap-based mass interventions for arboviral control Insects 8, 5; http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/8/1/5</li><br /> <li>Little, E., P.T. Leisnham, D. Biehler, R. Jordan, S. Wilson, S.L. LaDeau. 2017. Socio-ecological mechanisms supporting high densities of<em> Ae. albopictus&nbsp;</em>in Baltimore, MD. Journal of Medical Entomology doi: 10.1093/jme/tjx103.</li><br /> <li>Liu, X. , Wang, Q. , Sun, Z. , Wedge, D. E., Becnel, J. J., Estep, A. S., Tan, C. and Weng, J. (2017), Synthesis and insecticidal activity of novel pyrimidine derivatives containing urea pharmacophore against <em>Aedes aegypti</em>. <em>Pest. Manag. Sci.,</em> 73: 953-959. doi:10.1002/ps.4370</li><br /> <li>Londono-Renteria BL, Shakeri H, Rozo-Lopez P, Conway MJ, Duggan N, Jaberi-Douraki M and Colpitts TM (2018) Serosurvey of Human Antibodies Recognizing Aedes aegypti D7 Salivary Proteins in Colombia.</li><br /> <li>Front. Public Health 6:111. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00111</li><br /> <li>Lynn GE, Oliver JD, Cornax I, O&rsquo;Sullivan MG, Munderloh UG. 2017. Experimental evaluation of <em>Peromyscus leucopus</em> as a reservoir host of the <em>Ehrlichia muris</em>-like agent. Parasites and Vectors 10: 48, Jan 28</li><br /> <li>Marco, M., &nbsp;Alessio, C., Nurhayat, N., Becnel, J. J., Bloomquist, J. R., Antonio, E. (2017). &nbsp;A survey of bacterial, fungal and plant metabolites against <em>Aedes aegypti</em> (Diptera; Culicidae), the vector of yellow and dengue fevers and Zika virus. <em>Open Chemistry</em> 15(1) 156-166.</li><br /> <li>Masi, M., van der Westhuyzen, A. E., Tabanca, N., Evidente, M., Cimmino, A., Green, I. R., Bernier, U. R., Becnel, J. J., Bloomquist, J. R., van Otterlo, W. A., Evidente, A. (2017). &nbsp;Sarniensine, a mesembrine-type alkaloid isolated from <em>Nerine sarniensis</em>, an indigenous South African Amaryllidaceae, with larvicidal and adulticidal activities against <em>Aedes aegypti</em>. &nbsp;<em>Fitoterapia</em>, 116, 34-38.</li><br /> <li>McClure, E.E., Oliva Chavez, A.O., Shaw, D.K., Carlyon, J.A., Ganta, R.R., Noh, S.M., Wood, D.O., Bavoil, P.M., Brayton, K.A., Martinez, J.J., McBride, J.W., Valdivia, R.H., Munderloh, U.G., Pedra, J.H.F. 2017. Engineering of obligate intracellular bacteria: progress, challenges and paradigms. Nature Reviews Microbiology. 15(9):544-558. PMCID: PMC5557331</li><br /> <li>Meepagala, K. M., Estep, A. S., Clausen, B. M., Becnel, J. J. (2018) Mosquitocidal Activity of a Naturally Occurring Isochroman and Synthetic Analogs from the Plant Pathogenic Fungus, <em>Diaporthe eres</em> Against <em>Aedes aegypti</em> (Diptera: Culicidae), <em>Journal of Medical Entomology</em>, doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjy016</li><br /> <li>Occi J, Egizi A, Fonseca DM. 2018. Lone star ticks in New Jersey: risk, ecology and prevention&nbsp;Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet No. 1281. New Brunswick, New Jersey 4 pp.&nbsp;http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/fs1281/</li><br /> <li>Oliva Ch&aacute;vez AS, Shaw DK, Munderloh UG, Pedra JH. Tick Humoral Responses: Marching to the Beat of a Different Drummer. Front Microbiol. 2017 Feb 14;8:223. PMCID: PMC5306392</li><br /> <li>Pritt BS, Allerdice MEJ, Sloan LM, Paddock CD, Munderloh UG, Rikihisa Y, Tajima T, Paskewitz SM, Neitzel DF, Johnson DKH, Schiffman E, Davis JP, Goldsmith CS, Nelson CM, Karpathy SE. 2017. Proposal to reclassify <em>Ehrlichia muris</em> as <em>Ehrlichia muris </em>subsp. <em>muris</em> subsp. nov. and description of <em>Ehrlichia muris</em> subsp. <em>eauclairensis</em> subsp. nov., a newly recognized tick-borne pathogen of humans in the upper midwestern United States. IJSEM, 67(7):2121-2126.</li><br /> <li>Reiskind, M.H. and Hopperstad, K.A. 2017. &nbsp;Gas stations for container breeding larval mosquito surveillance. &nbsp;Journal of Medical Entomology. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjx129</li><br /> <li>Reiskind, M.H., and Janairo, M.S. &nbsp;2018. Tracking larval behavior across development: effects of temperature and nutrients on individuals&rsquo; foraging behavior. &nbsp;In press at Journal of Medical Entomology</li><br /> <li>Sanscrainte N.D, Arimoto H., Waits C.M., Li L.Y., Johnson D., Geden C., et al. (2018) Reduction in <em>Musca domestica</em> fecundity by dsRNA-mediated gene knockdown. <em>PLoS ONE</em> 13(1): e0187353. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0187353</li><br /> <li>Schwab SR, Stone CM, Fonseca DM, Fefferman NH 2018 The importance of being urgent: the impact of surveillance target and scale on mosquito-borne disease control. Epidemics Online early: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1755436517301317</li><br /> <li>Shragai T, Tesla B, Murdock C and Harrington LC. 2017. Zika and Chikungunya: mosquito-borne viruses in a changing world. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. doi: 10.1111/nyas.13306</li><br /> <li>Shragai T and Harrington L.C. 2017. &nbsp;Egg Identification Guide for Ae. albopictus in the Northeast USA. Fact sheet.</li><br /> <li>Stappen, I., Tabanca, N., Ali, A., Wedge, D. E., Wanner, J., Gochev, V., Jaitak, V., Lal, B., Kaul, V. K., Schmidt, E., Jirovetz, L. (2017). Biological Activity of Bunium persicum Essential Oil from Western Himalaya. <em>Planta Medica International Open</em>, 4 (2) 52-58.</li><br /> <li>Stone CM, Schwab SR, Fonseca DM, Fefferman NH 2017 Human movement, cooperation, and the effectiveness of coordinated vector control strategies. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 14 (133), 20170336. http://rsif.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/14/133/20170336.long</li><br /> <li>Suh, E., D. R. Mercer and S. L. Dobson (2017). "Life-shortening Wolbachia infection reduces population growth of Aedes aegypti." Acta Trop 172: 232-239.</li><br /> <li>Telschow, A., F. Grziwotz, P. Crain, T. Miki, J. W. Mains, G. Sugihara, S. L. Dobson and C. H. Hsieh (2017). "Infections of Wolbachia may destabilize mosquito population dynamics." J Theor Biol 428: 98-105.</li><br /> <li>Tok, F. , Kocyigit‐Kaymakcioglu, B. , Tabanca, N. , Estep, A. S., Gross, A. D., Geldenhuys, W. J., Becnel, J. J. and Bloomquist, J. R. (2018), Synthesis and structure&ndash;activity relationships of carbohydrazides and 1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives bearing an imidazolidine moiety against the yellow fever and dengue vector, <em>Aedes aegypti. Pest. Manag. Sci,</em> 74: 413-421. doi:10.1002/ps.4722</li><br /> <li>Villena, O.C., I. Terry, K. Iwata, E.R. Landa, S.L. LaDeau, P.T. Leisnham, P.T. 2017. Effects of tire leachate on the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus and the native congener Aedes triseriatus. PeerJ, 5, p.e3756.</li><br /> <li>Vuong HB, Chiu GS, Smouse PE, Fonseca DM, Brisson D, Morin, PJ, Ostfeld RS 2017 Influences of host community characteristics of Borrelia burgdorferi infection prevalence in blacklegged ticks. PLoS One http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0167810</li><br /> <li>Waits, C. M., Fulcher, A., Louton, J. E., Richardson, A. G., Becnel, J. J., Xue, R., and Estep, A. S. (2017). &nbsp;A Comparative Analysis of Resistance Testing Methods in <em>Aedes albopictus</em> (Diptera: Culicidae) from St. Johns County, Florida. <em>Florida Entomologist</em> 100 (3), 571-577</li><br /> <li>Wang M, Shen S, Wang H, Hu Z, Becnel J, Vlak J. (2017). &nbsp;Deltabaculoviruses encode a functional type I budded virus envelope fusion protein. <em>J. Gen. Virol.</em> 98(4):847-852 doi:10.1099/jgv.0.000745</li><br /> </ul><br /> <p>&nbsp;</p>

Impact Statements

1. Develop training and training tools to scientists within the field of Medical and Veterinary Entomology.

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Report Information

Participants

Dan Kline, Theodore Andreadis, Rui-De Xue, Jonas King, Michael Reiskind, Jim Cilek, Stephen Dobson, Michael Turell, Lydia Montenegro (postdoc, lab of Berlin Londono), Paul Leisnham

Virtual Participation (Dial In Conference Line): Philip Armstrong, Laura Harrington, Gabriel Hamer, Vida Irani

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting begins with a seminar series on various aspects of vector biology and management:

Dr. Uli Bernier, National Program Leader, USDA/ARS: Overview of USDA/ARS, Medical, Veterinary, and Urban Entomology Programs ...

Dr. Phil Koehler, Professor, Department of Entomology & Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL: The efficacy of UV LED mosquito and fly traps

Ms. Yuexun Tian, Ph.D. Student, Dr. Cynthia Lord, Associate Professor, Dr. Phillip Kaufman, Professor, Dept. of Entomology & Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL: Parameter estimation for modeling Rhipicephalus sanguineus L. residential infestations.

Ms. Molly Clark, Education Specialist, AMCD, St. Augustine, FL. Overview of the AMCD intern and visiting scientist program

Mr. Richard Weaver, Business Manager, AMCD, St. Augustine, FL: A new software for mobile phone application to improve customer service

Dr. Paul Linser, Professor, University of Florida, Whitney Laboratory, St. Augustine, FL: The mosquito tracheal system: structure/function analyses of carbon dioxide handling and larval development.

Preliminary Business Meeting was held.

Introductions – Each participant briefly introduces themselves and their interests

Chairperson’s Report: Dr. Paul Leisnham opens the floor for discussion after taking attendance and handling introductions. Dr. Leisnham begins the discussion by reminding that this multistate project is in its last year, and summarized the recent work that has culminated in the submission of a rewrite/renewal and positive review. Dr. Laura Harrington stated that she favored the idea of three new objectives which were kept very broad. Dr. Ted Andreadis, the project’s advisor, further updated the process, reading the reviews. Dr. Andreadis stated that the proposal was approved as 1 hour ago and will be named “NE1943: Biology, Ecology & Management of Emerging Disease Vectors” and will start on 10/1/2019. Dr. Andreadis suggested that individuals need to register by submitting an “Appendix E” form on NIMSS to be official participants. Although the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, Dr. Andreadis pointed out that a persistent challenge has been engendering participant cooperation and attendance at the annual meeting. He suggested that participants should not look at annual meetings as simply as an “information exchange”. Dr. Andreadis then went on to suggest that changing the meeting venue could be helpful. The group then discussed the potential for moving the next meeting to Northeast Regional Center for Excellence (CoE) in Connecticut in January. There appeared general support for this action among the participants present. Alternative locations that were mentioned included ESA, AMCA, or another similar meeting. Stephen Dobson then suggested that the multistate meeting could move between the CDC CoEs each year (having them in conjunction with their meetings) if they agree to allow this. There was a long discussion of how regional multi-state projects could collaborate with some of these large, new research centers. The group then votes and agrees to have the meeting with the Northeast Regional CoE as the venue for the first annual meeting of the new in January. Dr. Stephen Dobson thanked Rui-De Xue and the Anastasia Mosquito Control District for hosting this meeting for the past three years. Drs. Stephen Dobson, Gabriel Hamer, Michael Reiskind, and Ted Andreadis then discuss multistate participation, especially as it relates to travel funds for attending meetings, stressing that experimental stations are supposed to be supporting travel to multistate meetings. Dr. Leisnham then briefly introduces the new objectives as proposed. Objective 1: monitoring i.e. novel trapping techniques and identification. Objective 2: the ecology of disease vectors, especially as it relates to environmental changes. Objective 3: novel control strategies. Additionally, he said that all aims have been written to include mosquitoes and ticks. Dr. Leisnham then said it was time to go through the current objectives and report any advances towards meeting these aims.

Review of Major Objectives and Goals

Objective 1: Development of parasitic and arthropod catalog/resources. Dr. James Becnel was not present. Last year, he reported that the database of vector resources has been fully compiled and that BEI resources are interested mostly in human pathogens and vectors. At last year’s annual meeting, Dr. Becnel stated that the database within the next 3 months. Dan Kline said that as far as he knows, this has all been accomplished and that he would ask Dr. Becnel and report back to the multistate leadership.

Action Items: None identified.

Objective 2:  Integrated tick management and community-centered approaches, including understanding the biology and ecology of novel and emerging tick-borne pathogens. – Drs. Kline, Leisnham, and Reiskind discussed new funding routes for ticks in the future. The high prevalence of Powassan virus (POWV) in the regional Ixodes was then discussed for some time. It was then discussed that diseases are often very prevalent in tick populations, so most funding goes toward early detection. Dr. Philip Armstrong then discussed a new project in which he assessed competence for Powassan in Dermacentor variabilus and Amblyomma americanum. This work includes sequencing the virus genome as it relates to vector adaptation. Jonas King discussed a project looking at phylogenetics of Dermacentor andersoni and some closely related zoophilic and sylvatic tick species.

 

Action Items: Unchanged from last year: 1) increased surveillance of environmental risk, 2) importance of coinfection and 3) the IPM of ticks

 

Objective 3: Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, with a focus on surveillance, range, expansion, ecology, genetics, climate change and disease risk. Drs. Leisnham and Reiskind start by discussing Aedes range changes at length. Drs. Reiskind and Dobson further the discussion on the potential that Aedes aegypti could be eradicated in lower population “pockets” using newly developed technologies such as Wolbachia-based population control and autodissemination. Dr. Dobson stresses that such pockets can only be detected when good monitoring practices are in place and that in those circumstances, monitoring would be the biggest expense. Dr. Mike Turell and Dr. Hamer then lead the discussion on the range re-expansion of Aedes aegypti, and that in Texas, there seems to be selective pressure that leads to a change in feeding behavior and a change to a less anthropophilic form (such as on dogs). Other changes in Aedes aegypti as a species are then discussed at length. Dr. Dobson then discussed how certain areas, as small as individual residential yards, can act as “super sources” for adding to local Aedes populations. Dr. Jonas King then discusses recent advances in his collaboration with Dr. Donald Yee on the effect of larval diet and habitat in Aedes aegypti, and how this can affect vector competence in adult mosquitoes. Dr. Leisnham discusses his work on how watershed management and urban greenspace usage effect Ae. albopictus and Culex populations. His research especially focuses on the effects of socioeconomic status on uses of green space in the Baltimore and D.C area.

 

Action Items: None identified

Objective 4: New control tools, including socio-ecological approaches. Dr. Hamer adds to his previous discussion on Aedes feeding behavior changes in Texas by discussing a project in South Texas testing autocidal traps for the past 2 years, which haven’t been a “smashing success”. He is working with the company SpringStar on the project, using a more recent version of previously available autodissemination stations. Dr. Philip Armstrong discusses various projects in his laboratory. Starting with diapause centered research in Aedes albopictus, especially as it relates to their range along the eastern seaboard. He then discusses novel lures for certain pests and vectors. Dr. Armstrong then goes on to explain that he picked up La Crosse virus isolates this last year using novel lures for Aedes triseriatus. He expects more such results in the future with additional lures he will be testing. Dr. Leisnham then discusses a novel bait he has been researching using a pro-fragrance compound that he is currently testing in Maryland with USDA-ARS. Drs. Kline and Cilek continue the discussion of an alternate/enhanced carbon dioxide attractant, as well as the dispersal of BTI (Bacillus). BTI, which was dispersed with a thermal fogger, was used in the Florida Keys with some success. Dr. Dobson summarizes work ongoing with the Wolbachia pesticide against Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti populations in TX, FL, KY, and CA.

Action Items: None identified

Objective 5: Training and training tools. It was agreed that this aim has been largely eclipsed by the establishment of the Regional Centers for Excellence, and they have done an excellent job towards training professionals and nonprofessionals in the important aspects of vector biology and vector control.

Action Items: None identified

Group discussions on potential funding sources and development of prospective collaborative proposals.

To start, Gabriela Zollner, a representative from the Armed Forces Pest Management Board, discusses the deployed warfighter protection program: up to $300,000 for three years for personal protection tools and vector control for deployed warfighters. This money can go to support diverse activities from collecting data to supporting EPA registration of new compounds. Dr. Zollner reminded participants how to find the grant program [Go to grants.gov (and type in AFPMB), where the BAA can be found]. It has a rolling submission timeline; however, the RFP for full proposals will be released in the fall.

Closing: Dr. Leisnham is confirmed to continue as chair of new project NE1943, and Dr. King will continue as secretary for the next year.

 

Meeting adjourned at 5 pm.

Accomplishments

<p><strong>Objective 1:&nbsp;</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">The aim of this project is to support and promote available resources such as the BEI Resources established by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for human pathogens and to identify alternative sources for vector resources beyond those found in BEI.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">None.</span></p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 2:&nbsp;</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">The rapid increase in the incidence of human illness due to tick-borne pathogens requires better integration of available management options as well as the development&nbsp;of new approaches. The aim of this project is to improve methods for assessment of infection status of ticks and reservoirs, to assess ecological risk of tick-borne pathogens and features that regulate tick density, and to test and develop methods for suppression of ticks or pathogens in urban and suburban environments.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Hamer and collaborators from Texas A&amp;M made progress on the risk analysis for the introduction and transmission of African swine fever virus into the U.S. which resulted in two publications in the journal </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. &nbsp;A similar study, also involving ticks, is on the risk of heartwater being introduced into the U.S. which has a manuscript in preparation for submission.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Collaborators at Kansas State University, identify differences in salivary proteins from </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Amblyomma americanum</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> maintained in colony versus those collected in the field. We found important differences in salivary proteins associated with immune responses in endothelial and mast cells in humans. Results from this study were presented at the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">ASTMH</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> 67th Annual Meeting. </span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Collaborators at Indiana University of Pennsylvania tested blood from 600+ small mammals across 6 species in 8 contiguous PA counties to check for the presence of 3 tick-borne pathogens-</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anaplasma phagocytophilum</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Babesia microti,&nbsp;</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Borrelia burgdorferi</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This research was presented at the ASM Microbe 2018 meeting and the manuscript is undergoing revision for publication.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Collaborators at the Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station (CAES) have continued Passive Tick Surveillance. The group has recently investigated whether passively collected data on human-biting </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">I. scapularis </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">ticks in Connecticut could serve as a useful proxy for Lyme disease incidence based on the cases reported by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CDPH). Data for human-biting </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">I. scapularis</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> ticks submitted to the Tick Testing Laboratory at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES-TTL), and tested for infection with </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">B. burgdorferi </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">s.l., were used to estimate the rate of submitted nymphs, nymphal infection prevalence, and the rate of submitted infected nymphs. The group assessed spatiotemporal patterns in tick-based measures and Lyme disease incidence. In conjunction with land cover and household income data, the group used models to examine the association between tick-based risk estimates and Lyme disease incidence. Between 2007 and 2017, the CAES-TTL received 26,116 </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">I. scapularis</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> tick submissions and the CDPH reported 23,423 Lyme disease cases. The rate of submitted nymphs, nymphal infection prevalence, the rate of submitted infected nymphs, and Lyme disease incidence all decreased over time during this eleven-year period. The rate of submitted nymphs, the rate of submitted infected nymphs, and Lyme disease incidence were spatially correlated, but nymphal infection prevalence was not. Using mathematical models, the group identified a strong, positive association with the rate of submitted infected nymphs and a negative association with the percent of developed land for each county. The group is also exploring spatiotemporal associations of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Borrelia burgdorferi</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Babesia microti</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anaplasma phagocytophilum</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Borrelia miyamotoi, </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">as well as</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">the status of symbiotic activities in the blacklegged ticks. In addition, the CAES Tick Surveillance program has recently intercepted a few invasive tick species. As the results of these investigations, a few manuscripts have been published during this period and others are under review by peer-reviewed journals or being prepared. </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;</span></p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 3:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;This Objective focuses&nbsp;on the surveillance, range expansion, ecology, genetics, and disease risk of&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.&nbsp;albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;and&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.&nbsp;aegypti.</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;Although much work has been conducted already on these species, not enough is known about their recent biology, especially in areas where&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.&nbsp;albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;has recently invaded (Northeastern States), or where a resurgence in population abundance is occurring for&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.&nbsp;aegypti</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;(Florida) where it overlaps with&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae.&nbsp;albopictus.</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Leisnham and his students at the University of Maryland and collaborators at other institutions tested comparisons of larval and pupal population metrics with adult female abundances of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Culex pipiens/restuans</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> across 12 blocks in socio-economic diverse neighborhoods in Baltimore, MD. Despite being collected on all blocks in all neighborhoods, adult female </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">but not </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cx. pipiens/restuans</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> were predicted by immature-stage population metrics. Adult female </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> abundance was positively and consistently predicted by the mean number of occupied discarded containers per parcel across the four socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods. Our results suggest that immature-stage monitoring in landscapes dominated by container habitat may not be an effective predictor of adult </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cx. pipiens/restuans</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> abundance, but removing discarded container habitat should be a priority action to manage </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This work was published in the Journal of Medical Entomology.</span></p><br /> <p><strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Leisnham and his students at the University of Maryland and collaborators at other institutions continued their research on the effects of tire habitats on the ecology of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. They completed a study that assessed the effect of UV-B radiation on the metabolic rates and fitness (survival, development time, body size) of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aedes albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Culex pipiens</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and the activity of their microbial food resources in experimental aquatic microcosms</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The results indicated that UV-B radiation affected the metabolic rates of both </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cx. pipiens</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> larvae, with significantly higher rates found in a treatment that mimicked full-sun compared to shade and no-UV conditions. </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cx. pipiens</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> survival was also affected by UV-B radiation condition, with significantly lower survival in full-sun compared to shade and no UV-B conditions. Microbial metabolic rates were consistently significantly lower in full-sun compared to shade and no-UV conditions. These results show that UV-B radiation at levels found in open spaces showed strong and important impacts on the metabolic rates and survival of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cx. pipiens</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> larvae. This research was published in the journal PeerJ.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Collaborators at Cornell University completed the second year of their field study on variation in diapause induction among populations of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> along its northern edge. Diapause is poorly characterized in the field and across small geographic ranges. This project represents the first detailed field study of conditions that induce and release diapause in the field across multiple populations of the Asian tiger mosquito (ATM). Results demonstrate that temperature plays a much larger role than previously thought in curing diapause for northern populations. Higher fall temperatures, such as those experienced with a changing climate, lead the ATM to lay an intermediate portion of eggs in diapause. Female ATMs seem to be taking a &ldquo;bet-hedging&rdquo; strategy with the proportion of diapaused eggs developed during the fall months in the North East. These results indicate that ATM human biting risk can remain high over the fall months with warming temperatures and that ATM diapause is highly environmentally adaptable, so that degree-day models or other traditional temporal models for biting risk and control timing may not be adequate.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Collaborators at Cornell University also completed analyses and published their results on socioeconomic drivers of ATM in the northeast. they conducted detailed container surveys for Ae. albopictus larvae and pupae over two years across nine sites in residential neighborhoods in southern New York. Based on the variability of predictive container characteristics, they conclude that ATMS are a highly adaptable, generalist container breeder, and identification of key containers for this species is not a useful strategy in this region. However, Ae. albopictus can be non-homogenously distributed based on income level and urban development, indicating that control should target areas of greater urbanization and that focal control of Ae. albopictus clusters may be a more efficient strategy in sites of higher socioeconomic status. Results were published in the Journal of Medical Entomology.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cornell collaborators initiated a study of vector-host interactions of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on Long Island, NY, in June 2018. &nbsp;Daily collections of mosquitoes were conducted with a large aspirator during summer 2018. Human and animal host abundance was measured with camera traps and household interviews. The team captured 3,241 female <em>Ae. albopictus</em> and a total of 182 females with blood meals. &nbsp;Ae. albopictus blood meals were identified, from human, cat, horse, opossum, dog, goat, rabbit, raccoon, rat, skunk, and squirrel. When the number of dog, cat, and human blood meals per household were considered in the context of the amount of time that people and their pets spent outside (according to weekly interviews), the time-weighted feeding indices suggest that Ae. albopictus prefer cats and dogs to humans and prefer cats to dogs. A manuscript is currently in preparation.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Researchers at the Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station (CAES) completed a study showing that successive bloodmeals enhance virus dissemination within mosquitoes and increase transmission potential. In this study, they demonstrated that the administration of a second non-infectious bloodmeal significantly shortens the extrinsic incubation period (EIP) of ZIKV-infected </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. aegypti</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> by enhancing virus escape from the mosquito midgut. Similarly, a second bloodmeal increased the competence of this species for dengue virus and CHIKV as well. This effect was also observed for ZIKV in </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aedes albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for ZIKV, suggesting that this phenomenon may be common among other virus-vector pairings and that </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> species might be a more important vector than once thought. Bloodmeals induced fissures in the virus-impenetrable basal lamina surrounding the midgut providing a mechanism for enhanced virus escape. Modeling of these findings revealed that a shortened EIP would result in a significant increase in the basic reproductive number, R</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">0</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This study helps explain how </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. aegypti</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> can sustain an explosive epidemic like ZIKV despite its relatively poor vector competence in single-feed laboratory trials. Together, these data demonstrate a direct and unrecognized link between mosquito feeding behavior, EIP, and vector competence.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Researchers at CAES are currently evaluating the overwintering survival of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">at the northern limit of its current range. </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aedes albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a highly invasive species that was introduced into the U.S. in the 1980s where it continues to expand its range in the eastern half of the country. &nbsp;Winter temperature is an important constraint to this species northward expansion with Connecticut at the thermal limit for overwintering survival. To evaluate the potential for northern range expansion, researchers placed diapause-conditioned mosquito eggs in tires in different microhabitats (open field versus forest) and along a latitudinal gradient from New Jersey to Connecticut. &nbsp;Survivorship of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> was evaluated during three successive winters by hatching mosquito eggs the following spring. &nbsp;Overwintering survival of mosquito eggs was highly variable and ranged from 0-51%. Survivorship correlated with the duration and magnitude of low temperatures recorded during January and February.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Researchers at the CAES are currently evaluating vector-host interactions of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Engorged mosquitoes were collected from Suffolk Virginia and Pennsylvania using BG-Sentinel traps and other methods during summer of 2017 and 2018. Analysis of the 2017 collection indicates that over 98% of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> blood meals were from mammalian hosts (human, domestic cat, white-tailed deer, rat, gray squirrel, opossum) and occasionally from eastern box turtles. Additional engorged </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> mosquitoes from Virginia and Pennsylvania are being analyzed and a manuscript is being prepared for submission. </span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU) have completed several studies on the genetics and ecology of container </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aedes</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. &nbsp;These include an investigation into the fine-scale distribution of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. aegypti and</span></em> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in Palm Beach County, FL as an experimental landscape to examine the competitive interactions of these species, documenting a slow, steady expansion of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. aegypti</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. &nbsp;Climatic, land-use, and/or adaptation in </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aedes aegypti</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> could explain this phenomenon. &nbsp;In support of adaptation, a team at NCSU has demonstrated evidence for selection in the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. aegypti</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> genome in response to mating competition with </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, providing further evidence for previously documented phenotypic shifts.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also at NCSU, and in collaboration with scientists at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, East Carolina University, Western Carolina University, and various local mosquito control entities, several state-wide surveys of container mosquitoes have been conducted. &nbsp;These have resulted in updated distributional data on </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. triseriatus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. hendersoni</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. japonicus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. &nbsp;No </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. aegypti</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> have been found in these surveys in North Carolina. &nbsp;Included in these studies was an assessment of insecticide resistance. &nbsp;Another set of studies examined the diversity of mosquito vectors in suburban environments in Wake County, NC, finding that as neighborhoods age, vector communities simplify and become dominated by </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 4:&nbsp;</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">This research cluster focuses on the development of mosquito control and management tools for maintaining mosquito populations below nuisance levels and/or below epidemic levels for disease transmission. This includes a&nbsp;broad-based&nbsp;approach to new toxicant discovery, screening of compounds derived from natural products, and evaluation of registered compounds for mosquitocidal activity.&nbsp; In addition, we are exploring gene silencing using RNAi technology as a method to knock down critical proteins in adult and larval mosquitoes with possible applications for control. Microsporidian parasites are known to infect many mosquitoes worldwide, but fundamental knowledge on the genomes of mosquito microsporidia and host-pathogen interactions are poorly known.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In collaboration with colleagues, Dr. Leisnham conducted studies that explored opportunities and challenges engaging resident communities in mosquito control and citizen science projects on mosquitoes. These efforts were published in a book chapter and article in the journal Citizen Science: Theory and Practice, respectively.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Fonseca developed an approach termed Citizen Action through Science (Citizen AcTS). </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The key innovation is the mobilization of </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">neighbors guided by scientific advisors. She tested this approach </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">in a NE U.S. town of approximately 1,000 residential yards infested with the invasive Asian tiger mosquito, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aedes albopictus, </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">a major nuisance arboviral vector and reported a highly significant reduction in biting pressure that was maintained over time (Johnson et al 2018). </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Citizen AcTS model works through respectful exchanges among scientists and residents that lead to trust and individual &lsquo;buy-in&rsquo; and transferring program ownership to the community. This approach is currently being developed in several other communities in Washington, DC, and MD.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At NCSU, a study on the impact of backyard barrier spraying on neighboring yards was conducting, finding the impact on </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> was equally good for neighbors as for the target household. &nbsp;</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the University of Kentucky (UKY) worked in collaboration with multiple Mosquito Abatement Districts and companies to test the Wolbachia pesticide against </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ae. aegypti</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> populations. The results are to be used in support of an application to the US Environmental Protection Agency toward registration of the Wolbachia pesticide.</span></p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 5:&nbsp;</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">The key outcome will be training and training tools delivered to developing scientists within the field of Medical and Veterinary Entomology. Tools will be (1) a training course in conjunction with one or more Multistate meetings and (2) Publication of a position paper regarding the development of the next generation of scientists within our field.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">None.</span></p>

Publications

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Biehler D., J. Baker, J.H. Pitas,&nbsp;Y. Bode-George, R. Jordan, A. Sorenson, H. Goodman, S. Wilson, S. LaDeau, M. Saunders, D. Bodner, P.T. Leisnham. Beyond &ldquo;the mosquito people&rdquo;: The challenges of engaging community for environmental justice in infested urban spaces. Pp. 295-318. In: R. Lave, C. Biermann, S. Lane (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Physical Geography. Palgrave Macmillian, London.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bodner, D., S.L. LaDeau, P.T. Leisnham. 2019. Relationships among immature-stage metrics and adult abundances of mosquito populations in Baltimore, MD. Journal of Medical Entomology 56 (1): 192-198.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Faiman R., A. Dao, A. Yaro, M. Diallo, S. Djibril, Z. Lamissa Sonogo, Y. Ousmane, M. Sullivan, L. Veru, B. Krajacich, A. Krishna, J. Matthews, C. France, G. L. Hamer, K. Hobson, T. Lehmann. </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">In Press.</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Marking mosquitoes in their natural larval sites using 2H-enriched water: a promising approach for tracking over extended temporal and spatial scales. Methods in Ecology and Evolution.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Golnar A., Martin E., Wormington J.D., Kading R.C., Teel P., Hamer S.A.</span><strong>,</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Hamer G.L. 2019. Reviewing the potential vectors and hosts of African swine fever virus transmission in the United States. Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Johnson BJ, Brosch D, Christian A, Wells E, Wells M, Bhandoola AF, Milne A, Garrison S, Fonseca DM 2018 Neighbors-help-neighbors control urban mosquitoes. Scientific Reports </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">8(1):15797. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-34161-9</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kading, R. C., A. G. Golnar, S. A. Hamer, G. L. Hamer. 2018. Advanced surveillance and preparedness to meet a new era of invasive vectors and emerging vector-borne diseases. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 12:e0006761.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ledesma N.A., Kaufman P.E., Xue R.D., &nbsp;Leyend C., Macapagald M., Winokur O.C., and L.C. Harrington. 2019. Entomological and socio-behavioral components of dog heartworm (<em>Dirofilaria immitis</em>) prevalence in two Florida communities. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Vol 254 (1): 93-103.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Little E.A.H., Anderson J.F., Stafford III K.C., Eisen L., Eisen R.J., Molaei G. 2019. Predicting Spatiotemporal Patterns of Lyme disease Incidence from Passively Collected Surveillance Data for </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Borrelia burgdorferi</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">sensu lato-infected </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ixodes scapularis</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">ticks. </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.04.010.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Martin E., Chu E., Shults P., Golnar A.J., Swanson D.A., Benn J., Kim D., Schneider P., Pena S., Culver C., Medeiros M.C.I., Hamer S.A., Hamer G.L. 2019. </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Culicoides</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> species community composition and infection status with parasites in an urban environment of east central Texas. Parasites &amp; Vectors 12:39.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Martin E., M. Medeiros, E. Carbajal, E. Valdez, J. Juarez, S. Garcia Luna#, A. Salazar, W. Qualls, S. Hinojosa, M. Borucki, H. Manley, I. Badillo-Vargas, M. Frank, G. L. Hamer. 2019. Surveillance of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aedes aegypti</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> indoors and outdoors using Autocidal Gravid Ovitraps in South Texas during local transmission of Zika virus, 2016 to 2018. Acta Tropica.192:129-137.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Monaghan, A.J., Hayden, M.H., Smith, K.A., Reiskind, M.H., Cabell, R., Ernst, K.C. 2019. &nbsp;A simple model to predict the potential distribution of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aedes aegypti </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">mosquitoes one month in advance. &nbsp;In press at The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Poh, K. C., L.F. Chaves, M. Reyna-Nava, C.M. Roberts, C. Fredregill, R. Bueno, M. Debboun, G.L. Hamer. 2019. The influence of weather and weather variability on mosquito abundance and infection with West Nile virus in Harris County, Texas, USA. Science of the Total Environment.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reed, E. M. X, B. D. Byrd, S. Richards, M. Echkart, C. Williams, and M. H. Reiskind. 2019. A statewide survey of container </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aedes </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">spp. (Diptera: Culicidae) in North Carolina, USA 2016: A multiagency response to Zika Using ovitraps. Journal of Medical Entomology DOI: doi: 10.1093/jme/tjy190.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reiskind, M.H., and Janairo, M.S. &nbsp;2018. Tracking larval behavior across development: effects of temperature and nutrients on individuals&rsquo; foraging behavior. &nbsp;Journal of Medical Entomology 55 (5): 1086-1092. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjy073.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reiskind, M.O.B., Labadie, P.E., Bargielowski, I., Lounibos, L.P., and Reiskind, M.H. 2018. &nbsp;Rapid evolution and the genomic consequences of selection against interspecific mating. Molecular Ecology 27 (18): 3641-3654. &nbsp;Doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.14821.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Richards, S.L., White, A.V., Byrd, B.D., Reiskind M.H., Doyle, M.S. &nbsp;2018. Evaluation of Insecticide Resistance in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in North Carolina, 2017. Journal of Medical Entomology, tjy216, https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjy216.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shragai, T, L.C. Harrington. 2019. <em>Aedes albopictus</em> (Diptera: Culicidae) on an Invasive Edge: Abundance, Spatial Distribution, and Habitat Usage of Larvae and Pupae Across Urban and Socioeconomic Environmental Gradients. Journal of Medical Entomology 56(2): 472-482.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sorensen, A.E., R.C. Jordan, S. LaDeau, D. Biehler, S. Wilson, J. Pitas, P.T. Leisnham. Reflecting on Efforts to Design an Inclusive Citizen Science Project in West Baltimore. Citizen Science: Theory and Practice 4(1): 13, pp.&thinsp;1&ndash;12. DOI: </span><a href="https://doi.org/10.5334/cstp.170"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://doi.org/10.5334/cstp.170</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spence Beaulieu, M.R., Hopperstad, K.A., Dunn, R.R., Reiskind, M.H. 2019. &nbsp;Simplification of vector communities during suburban succession. PLoS One</span><a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0215485">&nbsp;<span style="font-weight: 400;">https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0215485</span></a></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">VanAcker M.C., Little E.A.H., Molaei G., Bajwa W.I., Diuk-Wasser M.mA. 2019. Enhancement of Risk for Lyme Disease by Landscape Connectivity, New York, New York, USA. 2019. Emerging Infectious Diseases, </span><a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/25/6/18-1741_article"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/25/6/18-1741_article</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p><br /> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Villena, O., B. Momen, J. Sullivan, P.T. Leisnham. 2018. Effects of ultraviolet radiation on metabolic rate and fitness of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aedes albopictus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Culex pipiens</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> mosquitoes. PeerJ 6: e6133.</span></p><br /> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wormington J.D., Golnar A., Poh K., Kading R.C., Martin E., Hamer S.A., Hamer G.L. 2019.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Risk of African swine fever virus sylvatic establishment and spillover to domestic swine in the United States. Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">doi: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2386.</span></strong></p>

Impact Statements

1. This project will: 1) Promote, and enlarge shared resources for pathogens and vectors of human disease to study arthropod vectors and their disease agents of human and animal health importance; 2) Evaluate the overwintering survival, range expansion, disease transmission, and feeding behavior of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopticus and to develop vector control strategies to combat these species; and 3) Improve methods for assessment of infection status of ticks and reservoirs, to assess ecological risk of tick-borne pathogens and features that regulate tick density, and to test and develop methods for suppression of ticks or pathogens in urban and suburban environments. Develop training and training tools to scientists within the field of Medical and Veterinary Entomology.

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