NEVBD

What is this project about?

This project is focused on evaluating trapping methods for monitoring mosquito populations and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEv) risk in Connecticut.

EEEv is a major mosquito-borne disease threat that is detected in our region each year. This virus is maintained between mosquitoes and wild birds, with occasional spillover into mammals like horses and humans. Outbreaks of EEEv have occurred in the northeast region with increasing frequency.

The goals of this project are to improve our surveillance of this virus in mosquito populations, improve our understanding of how this virus is maintained in wild bird populations, and improve our ability to assess risk for EEEv outbreaks. Currently, the project team is evaluating different mosquito trapping approaches for EEEv mosquito vectors and investigating the role of the mosquito Culiseta melanura in supporting EEEv transmission among wild bird populations in Connecticut.

Who is leading this project?

This project is led by a team from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

• Jonathan Karisa, PhD
• Goudarz Molaei, PhD
• Philip Armstrong, PhD

What is this project about?

The northeast region of the US is both highly urbanized and a hotspot for tickborne diseases. Though once considered a suburban and rural problem, tickborne disease risks in urban landscapes are increasing.

The goal of this project is to gain a better understanding of the tickborne disease risk and ecology in the New York City metropolitan area. The project team is building a Tick Urban Surveillance System across an urbanization gradient from New York City through Long Island, gathering information on tick abundance, infection, and wildlife distribution. This information will be used to improve communication strategies with local partners and the public about urban tickborne disease risks.

Who is leading this project?

This project is led by a team from the Columbia University Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology. The project is part of the Diuk–Wasser Eco-Epidemiology Lab.

• Maria Diuk-Wasser, PhD
• Marie Lilly, PhD candidate
• Sung-Joo Lee, PhD candidate
• Wen Fu, PhD
• Heather Kopsco, PhD

What is this project about?

This project is focused on increasing surveillance for tick and mosquito-borne disease risks in new areas.

Maine is a northeastern state experiencing an increase in the threats posed by both ticks and mosquitoes. The large size of this state creates a challenge to conducting state-wide vector surveillance.

The goals of this project are to create partnerships with communities in northern Maine and increase the capacity of the public health workforce in the state to conduct tick and mosquito surveillance. Ultimately, these efforts will expand our understanding of vector-borne disease risks in new areas of Maine.

Who is leading this project?

This project is led by a partnership between the MaineHealth Institute for Research - Vector-Borne Disease Lab and the Mi’kmaq Nation in northern Maine.

MaineHealth Institute for Research - Vector-Borne Disease Lab

• Charles Lubelczyk, MS

Mi’kmaq Nation

What is this project about?

NEVBD established a pesticide resistance monitoring network in 2019, covering the northeast region. This network supports public health and mosquito control agencies in detecting pesticide resistance in mosquito populations.

The goals of this project under our Training & Evaluation Center are to measure pesticide resistance levels and distribution regionally, develop new approaches to resistance monitoring, and provide accessible pesticide resistance monitoring education to support adoption and sustainable operation by regional programs.

You can learn more about this program on our NEVBD Pesticide Resistance Monitoring Program page.

Who is leading this project?

This project is led by a team from the Cornell University Department of Entomology.

• Lindsay Baxter, MS
• Elisabeth (Lisa) Martin, BS
• Aine Lehane, MPH
• Laura Harrington, PhD