Nootkatone Now Registered by EPA

 

A new active ingredient, discovered and developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in insecticides and insect repellents. Products are not yet out on the market but be looking for them in coming months. 

Studies show that when products are formulated from the new ingredient, nootkatone, they may repel and kill ticks, mosquitoes, and a wide variety of other biting pests. Nootkatone is responsible for the characteristic smell and taste of grapefruit and is widely used in the fragrance industry to make perfumes and colognes. It is found in minute quantities in Alaska yellow cedar trees and grapefruit skin.

Nootkatone can now be used to develop new insect repellents and insecticides for protecting people and pets. CDC’s licensed partner, Evolva, is in advanced discussions with leading pest control companies for possible commercial partnerships. Companies interested in developing brand name consumer products will be required to submit a registration package to EPA for review, and products could be commercially available as early as 2022.

“CDC is proud to have led the research and development of nootkatone,” said Jay C. Butler, MD, Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases. “Providing new alternatives to existing bite-prevention methods paves the way to solving one of biggest challenges in preventing vector-borne diseases—preventing bites.”

Studies show that when nootkatone is formulated into insect repellents, they may protect from bites at similar rates as products with other active ingredients already available and can provide up to several hours of protection.

Having a new effective ingredient for insecticide available will assist in addressing the growing levels of insecticide-resistance to other products currently in use, according to EPA.

“EPA is pleased to be continuing our partnership with CDC on registering nootkatone, which provides another tool to help protect the American public from biting insects and ticks,” said Alexandra Dapolito Dunn, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “This new active ingredient has the potential to be used in future insect repellents and pesticides that will protect people from disease. In many areas of the United States, mosquitoes have become resistant to currently available pesticides. A new active ingredient in our toolbox will help vector-control programs.”

Mosquito- and tickborne diseases are a growing threat in every U.S. state and territory. The number of reported cases of mosquito- and tickborne diseases doubled from 2004 to 2018. Tickborne diseases represent almost 8 in 10 of all reported vector-borne disease cases in the U.S. Increasing risk from these diseases means increasing demands on federal, state, and local health departments and vector control agencies.

CDC has partnered with Evolva since 2014. In 2017, Evolva was awarded a Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) contract with the key objective of advancing the development of nootkatone and nootkatone-based products for protection against mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue and Zika. This work has been supported with federal funds from CDC and managed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), BARDA, under Contract No. HHSO100201700015C.

With Summer Comes Blister Beetles

The presence of blister beetles is always a cause for concern but even more so as a horse owner. Blister beetles contain a chemical, cantharidin, that when consumed by horses and other livestock, can cause illness and sometimes death.

Blister beetles are known to feed on flowers and foliage of a wide variety of crops including alfalfa, ornamental plants, potatoes, soybeans, garden vegetables and other plants. Immature stages feed on grasshopper eggs, live in solitary bee hives or are predaceous, depending on species. 

Adults can be found on flowers or infested crops. Blister beetles in alfalfa fields at harvest can be killed by the harvest machinery and incorporated into the baled hay. Cantharidin is a very stable compound and remains toxic even in the dead and dried blister beetles that may contaminate alfalfa hay. Since blister beetles often occur in large groups, or swarms, within a field, dead beetles can be concentrated in a small portion of the bales.

 

Care should be taken to not handle them. Never handle blister beetles preserved in alcohol because the cantharadin dissolves in alcohol and will cause blisters on the skin.

Cantharidin causes irritation of the lining of the digestive and urinary system in horses. The number of beetles that result in illness is variable and depends on the sex and species of blister beetle and on the age, weight, bred and general health of the horse. The estimated number of ingested beetles that would be lethal to a horse ranges from 50-545.

For more information visit:

https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/hemiptera/blister-beetle/#:~:text=The%20wing%20%28elytra%29%20covers%20are%20usually%20soft%20and,mostly%20orangish-yellow%20with%20three%20black%20stripes%20on%20each

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/medical/blister_beetles.htm

West Nile on the rise in DFW Area

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts want Texans to be aware of a large rise in mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus in Dallas and Tarrant counties.

The state’s warm climate makes Texas a prime breeding ground for vector-borne illnesses, and recent weather conditions have only heightened the mosquito problem for many areas of the state.

“In Texas, our biggest mosquito-related concern is West Nile virus,” said Sonja Swiger, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension veterinary entomologist in Stephenville. “It has been found throughout Texas and the U.S., and even places that don’t normally have a problem like Miami have had cases in 2020. It’s just that kind of a year.”

The West Nile virus also produces symptoms in people that can be similar to some COVID-19 symptoms – fever, cough and sore throat. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult their doctor.

“If you think you might have contracted West Nile virus, get tested,” Swiger said. “Do not assume it is COVID-19.”

West Nile mosquito numbers on the rise

“We’re seeing numbers as high in some counties as we experienced in 2012 and that could be problematic,” explained Swiger.

“Tarrant County is currently the hotspot, so to speak, but Dallas County is also starting to see a rise in their number of infected mosquitoes and their vector index,” she said.

“Tarrant County is reporting 30% positive in some areas and 50% positive in the northeast section, which includes the cities of North Arlington, Grapevine, Watauga, Keller and North Richland Hills, to name a few.”

According to Dallas County Health and Human Services, for the week ending Aug.1, 40 mosquito traps tested positive for West Nile Virus. A total of 127 mosquito traps in Dallas County have tested positive to date for the year and there has been one human case reported.

The previous week, Tarrant County reported that 51 trapped groups, or pools, of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus and that there have been 163 positive test pools for 2020 so far.

In 2012, Texas experienced its largest outbreak of West Nile virus in history with over 1,800 confirmed cases.

“Most of these victims reported they were bitten at home,” Swiger said. “So, it’s important that Texans be aware at all times and use repellents when necessary.”

When to worry

AgriLife Extension has identified 85 different species of mosquitoes in Texas, however people don’t need to worry about contracting West Nile disease from all of them – only Culex quinquefasciatus.

Swiger said without any heavy rains, the Culex quinquefasciatus population will continue to grow without chemical intervention.

“We cannot predict what the next few months will bring unfortunately, but if heavy rains are in the future, we would anticipate a decline in positives, as the mosquitoes would be washed away,” she said.

The mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are night biters, Swiger said. People should be extra cautious when outdoors in the evenings and make sure screens have no holes and doors are kept closed at night and are properly sealed to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.

Staying safe

“Repellents are a must and the only real way to stay safe,” said Swiger. “Use DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus, which may also be listed as paramenthane-3, 8-diol, on people over 3 years of age, to get adequate protection. These are the only ones tested with certainty to stop the disease-carrying mosquitoes.”

When you are outdoors in any area where there could be mosquitoes, it is wise to wear long sleeves and long pants. The tighter the weave of the fabric, the better protection it will offer from bites.

Mosquito basics

Male mosquitos feed only on nectar, unlike their blood-sucking counterparts. Females also feed on nectar but need blood for egg production.

There are species of mosquitoes that feed during the day and species that feed at night. That may be why it seems like there are so many mosquitoes out at dawn and dusk – during these periods, the day and night feeders may overlap.

Swiger said during the day, grassy areas with tree coverage are where mosquitoes like to be to avoid the hot sun. Mosquitoes are cold-blooded and can’t regulate their body temperature. That’s why on warmer days they seek shade and why they typically aren’t around when the thermometer dips below the mid-50s.

“People in the city may not even notice mosquitoes during the day,” she said. “But the species of mosquito that carries West Nile virus typically lives in more urban areas, so people in cities are more likely to contract West Nile virus and need to be aware.”

If you live in the country, you’ll typically encounter more mosquitoes during the day, especially when it’s wet, Swiger said.

“At night, no one is better off than anyone else when it comes to mosquitoes,” Swiger said. “Whether you live in the country, suburbs or a big city, you’ll have mosquitoes to contend with.”

Mosquitoes hibernate in the winter. Some mosquitoes spend their winter as eggs that then hatch when the weather warms up, while others hibernate as adults or larvae. Areas with a hot and humid tropical climate can experience mosquitoes year-round.

Mosquitoes and animals

Mosquitoes can transmit dangerous disease-causing parasites to dogs and horses too, including canine heartworms, Eastern equine encephalitis, EEE, Western equine encephalitis, WEE, and West Nile virus.

“We don’t see Eastern equine encephalitis much, but even one case is cause for concern, since the mortality rate for horses with EEE is 75-80%,” Swiger said. “We typically see cases in East Texas and can expect to have cases in horses again this year. But we haven’t seen a case in humans yet.”

Swiger also noted while there are currently EEE, WEE and West Nile vaccines available for horses, there are none for humans as yet.

Mosquito prevention

The first step in mosquito prevention involves finding and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near standing water, so any stagnant water is a potential problem. Any place around the home or property where water can collect and sit for seven to 10 days is a problem to address.

Check property for standing water in clogged rain gutters, birdbaths, old tires, children’s play equipment, potted plant trays, tarps, holes in trees, bowls and buckets — literally anything that can hold standing water. Make sure to regularly change the water in any pet bowls outside.

Dump or drain stagnant water and turn over or cover items that catch and hold water. Gravel or sand can be used to fill places where stagnant water collects.

It is National Mosquito Control Awareness Week

While mosquitoes are an issue in Texas all year round, they are more of an issue in late spring, summer and early fall months. 

This week is a time to pay extra attention to mosquitoes and the locations where mosquito larvae will grow (buckets, pools, shallow non-flowing water, gutters, tires and debris). 

Did you know there are 85 species of mosquitoes in Texas that have been identified by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s agricultural and environmental safety unit personnel?

That’s a lot of itch-inducing painful pests to worry about. Besides being a buzzing and biting nuisance, mosquitoes carry a host of diseases and viruses that can be dangerous to people, pets and livestock.

“It’s a mosquito’s world, whether you see them or not, they are all around us.”

Our state’s warm climate makes a prime breeding ground for vector-borne illnesses, so AgriLife Extension experts hope Texans will observe Mosquito Awareness Week on June 21-27 by learning how to prevent and control these pests. Learn more at https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2020/06/19/agrilife-extension-experts-time-to-say-no-to-mosquitoes/

a few Ways you can Protect against Mosquitoes:

•  Drain: Empty out water containers at least once per week 
•  Dress:  Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing  
•  Defend: Properly apply an approved repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR 3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus 

For more information on mosquitoes and how to control them visit

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/browse/mosquito-control/

Asian Giant Hornet

You’ve probably heard of the  Asian giant hornet, or “murder hornet,” by now. It’s the world’s largest hornet. Native to Asia, it was sighted for the first time in Washington state and Canada in late 2019. Since then, additional specimens have been confirmed in May of 2020 from Langley, B.C., Canada and Custer, Washington. This suggests that this invasive hornet species has successfully overwintered in the United States and Canada. Keeping these insects out of Texas is important because they are formidable predators of honey bees, which are crucial for crop pollination.



To learn more about the Asian Giant Hornet visit:
https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/insects/murder-hornet/

https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2020/05/11/get-to-know-the-asian-giant-hornet-or-murder-hornet/


https://u.tamu.edu/asian-giant-hornet-lookalikes

Fly Season is Coming! - Stable Flies

Part 1 of "Fly Season is Coming!" (or for many, is here), there could be no other fly worthy of being first than the stable fly. Not only is it the FIRST biting fly to emerge for the year (or if you live in the south, stay active all year) it is also a nasty biter that will take advantage of any bloodmeal it can get.

The stable fly is the most significant pest of livestock in America; because of its painful bite and blood feeding behavior, cattle self-inflict stress and injury trying to escape attack.  The impact of the stable fly is noticeable with populations of more than 20 flies per animal, which can adversely affect animal health and significantly lower income for livestock producers.  Evidence shows that heavy infestations of stable flies on beef cattle have reduced weight gain by 25 percent and, in dairy cattle, have decreased milk production by 10 to 20 percent. 
To suppress stable flies effectively and economically, it is important to:

• Be able to identify them properly;
• Understand the insect’s life cycle; and
• Use a combination of control strategies.

Identification

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, looks like the house fly, but it is smaller (1⁄4 inch). Unlike the house fly, stable fly mouthparts resemble a bayonet that can easily be seen protruding from the head.  The stable fly differs from the housefly in that it depends on blood as food and has an extremely painful bite. Stable flies primarily attack the legs of livestock and the ears of dogs.

An animal’s reaction to being attacked by stable flies consists of objectionable behavior such as stomping and kicking their legs, this makes it difficult to milk dairy cows.  Unrestrained animals will typically bunch together when attack, causing an increase in heat stress.  

Biology and habitat

The stable fly has a complete life cycle with egg, larval (maggot), pupal and adult stages. Populations can increase quickly: Under optimal conditions, the egg to adult cycle is about 3 to 4 weeks; therefore several generations can develop each year.  A female stable fly lives for 3 to 4 weeks and lays 500 to 600 eggs during its lifetime. 

The eggs are typically laid in wet straw, wet hay bales or in other decomposing vegetation mixed with urine and feces produced by the animals.

Management

To suppress stable fly populations efficiently, producers should use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. IPM relies on three tactics for successful suppression of an insect pest: cultural, biological and chemical. 

Cultural control: Cultural control methods involve manipulating the environment to reduce insect pest populations. The most economical and effective method for suppressing stable fly populations is sanitation.

In confined animal facilities, a top priority should be to eliminate stable fly breeding sites as often as possible. To do this, remove and spread decomposing vegetation or bedding material that has become mixed with urine and feces. Spreading the bedding will allow the material to dry faster and prevent colonization by the stable fly.

Another tactic for confined animal areas is to design the stalls to allow for complete manure removal and drainage. Cleaning out the wet feed remaining in the ends of troughs should be done weekly because the wet feed serves as a breeding site for flies. 

For small to moderate fly populations of adult flies, sticky traps and other mechanical methods, when combined with sanitation, are effective in confined areas. However, sticky traps will not substantially reduce fly numbers if used alone. Sticky traps should be changed weekly because they become coated with dust or “saturated” with flies.

Spreading decomposing vegetation (unused hay) should also be implemented for range or pasture cattle. Throughout the year, hay bales are often provided as supplemental feed for cattle. Over the course of the winter, the sites where hay bales have been placed become ideal stable fly breeding areas. Using hay rings will help to reduce stable fly populations in the field/pasture by reducing the amount of wasted hay trampled into the soil.  Also, moving the feeding site regularly reduces the accumulation of wasted hay at a site and eliminates breeding sites.  Spreading the accumulated wasted hay, will help dry out the site and prevent continual stable fly breeding.

Sticky Traps: The use of sticky traps provides a non-chemical approach to controlling stable flies, both males and females. The sticky traps are attractive to the adult stages as a resting location during bloodmeal digestion but prevent the stable flies from leaving. These traps can be used at any number of facilities but are best placed out of reach of animals. 

                                        Olson Biting Fly Trap           Knight Stick trap

Biological control: This IPM tactic uses natural predators (fire ants), parasites (like the wasp Spalangia sp.) or pathogens (Bacillus thuringiensis) to suppress pests. 

The parasitic wasp, Spalangia sp., is available commercially.  The wasp lays an egg into the pupa of the stable fly. The immature wasp feeds on the pupa, eventually killing the pupa.  The wasp develops into an adult and emerges from the pupa to start the cycle again.  

At this point, there is no clear answer to the effectiveness of using parasites to reduce fly populations.  Chances for success are greatest when coupled with waste and water management, and chemical control as needed.  Chemical controls should be limited to sprays or other application techniques that will not come in contact with breeding sites and kill the parasites.  Wasp releases have to be conducted on a set schedule and are needed each year; do not count on establishing a population on your farm.  Wasps may supplement an integrated program based on sanitation but are unlikely to provide adequate control when numerous breeding sites are available.  

Chemical control:

If a stable fly problem persists, an insecticide can be used. Many compounds are available for suppressing adult and larval stable fly populations. Always read the pesticide label in its entirety before making any applications.  

Animals can be treated as needed with sprays containing permethrin (Catron, GardStar, Permectrin II, Permethrin and Tengard), Ravap® EC (23% tetrachlorvinphos) and Vapona® EC (40.2% dichlorvos).  Residual wall sprays such as Atroban® 11% EC (permethrin), Demon®WP (cypermethrin), Ravap®, and Vapona® can be applied to surfaces where the insects rest. These products can be used in backpack or truck sprayers for range or pasture cattle or used in misters daily on dairy cattle for protection against stable fly feeding.  Brahman and Brahman cross cattle should not be treated due to hypersensitivity to organophosphates.  One day withdrawal is required for beef cattle sprayed with Vapona®.

Many premise products are available (Annihilator®, Atroban® 11% EC, Brute®, Demon® Max, Durashield®, Elector® PSP, GardStar®, Grenade®, Permectrin II, permethrin, Rabon® 50 WP, Ravap® EC, Tengard®, and Vapona®) that can be sprayed around a livestock facility and on side walls that are used as resting sites for fed stable flies.  Always follow product labels for conducting premise spray applications.

Vector CEU Classes in May

Continued social distancing requirements have caused the cancellation of all the in person Spring 2020 Vector CEU classes. But with unprecedented issues come unprecedented steps.  TDA has approved the extension of receiving CEUs for 2020 until December 31, 2020 and has also allowed us to move our CEU classes to web-based.
If you did not have time to attend one of the classes we held in April, we have two more scheduled for May.

• May 6, 2020 - from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, 5 hours of AG CEUs, 3 hours of SPCS CEUs, 5 hours of Animal Control CEUs, 5 hours of Registered Sanitarian CEUs and 5 hours of Code Enforcement CEUs
• May 14, 2020 - from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, 5 hours of AG CEUs, 3 hours of SPCS CEUs, 5 hours of Animal Control CEUs, 5 hours of Registered Sanitarian CEUs and 5 hours of Code Enforcement CEUs

ALL must pre-register prior to receiving a link to the class. Registration is available at https://livestockvetento.tamu.edu/workshop-registration/online-class-registration/ and limited to 100 people per class. 

Fly Season(s) is Coming!

While sitting here in lockdown and away from livestock, it is easy to forget that fly season is upon us and only going to get worse. Since I do not own livestock of my own at this time, just a Great Dane, cats and baby chicks, our neighbor Jim Bob the horse keeps me informed. 

When you are the size of a small pony, you get your own couch.

There are several different flies that can impact both livestock and humans in Texas, the ones of most concern are biters looking for a blood meal. 

For livestock the most important flies are

• stable flies (spring until summer)
• horn flies (spring through fall)
• horse flies and deer flies (vary throughout the state)
• house flies (heaviest in the summer but can be year round)

For people the most problematic flies are mosquitoes but stable flies, horse flies, deer flies and house flies can also cause issues. In addition, people who live by flowing streams can see black flies from time to time and people living near maintained deer or sandy soils canhave biting midge issues. 

Over the next few weeks, I will discuss the flies you are seeing now or will see throughout the year that can have an impact on both livestock and people. 

April 16th Web-Based Vector CEU class

There is still plenty of room available to attend the upcoming 5 hrs. web-based CEU class scheduled for April 16^th.

If you have time to be on, I would recommend it.  Only the Houston CEU class is a guarantee for this year, and even that may have another date change depending on how COVID-19 goes.

All other classes, if rescheduled, will be done so in late summer and that may not be an optimal time for you to attend.  I will do my best to re-scheduled where we can but have to have speakers as well as a location.

To register for the April 16^th online class (7:30 am to 12:30 pm), please go to:

https://livestockvetento.tamu.edu/workshop-registration/online-class-registration/

• Credit hours are available for pesticide licenses (vector (which is AG) or structural), code enforcement, registered sanitarian and animal control
• You will received 5 hrs. of credit for all except structural which is 3 hrs.
• You must stay on for all 5 presentations in order to receive your credit hours.
• A link to the WebEx event will be emailed out on Wednesday.

If you have any questions, please contact me at slwiger@ag.tamu.edu.

Thank you

Sonja

Vector CEU Classes

Hi All,

Just wanted to reach out to everyone in regards to the CEU classes that were scheduled for March, April & early May.

In compliance with COVID-19 guidelines, all face-to-face meetings were cancelled for March, April and before May 15^th.

We at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension have been instructed that the no face-to-face ordinance will be until MAY 4^th and recommended that we hold off events until at least May 15^th.

That being said, we are working on rescheduling some our events.
We are now adding two online 5 hr CEU classes in place of the cancelled ones. 

IF you need CEUs for TDA (AG & SPCS), Animal Control, Registered Sanitarian and Code Enforcement you MUST stay online for all 5 hrs.

I am looking to run these classes from 7:30 – 12:30 pm.

YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE CLASSES TO RECEIVE THE LINK.

For all classes please visit https://livestockvetento.tamu.edu/
              ONLINE CLASSES - MUST PRE-REGISTER 

                          April 8^th -  PRE-REGISTER BY MONDAY APR 6TH

                          April 16^th – PRE-REGISTER BY TUESDAY APR 14TH

              CANCELLED CLASSES
                           March 26 – Rosenberg
                           April 8^th – Georgetown
                           May 7^th & 8^th - El Paso
                           May 12^th - Lubbock
                           May 13^th - Wichita Falls
              RESCHEDULED CLASSES
                           Tyler – was April 17^th, now May 29^th
                           Houston – was April 29^th, now May 28^th
                           San Antonio – was April 27^th, now will be in June still working on the date
                           El Paso, Lubbock and Wichita Falls - will try to find another date to conduct these,                                    please check the website for updates.

 **For any classes that were postponed/rescheduled, we will move your registration over automatically. IF you are unable to make the new date, please reach out to us and we will remove you from the list.**
**If the class you registered for was cancelled, you will need to re-register for another**
 
   If you have any questions on classes, please reach out to SLSWIGER@AG.TAMU.EDU

How to maintain and get your TDA Pesticide CEUs during COVID19 Lockdown?

One of the many things that is not allowed during the COVID19 lockdown is face-to-face meetings and this includes the many pesticide CEU classes Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides year round.

Spring is an essential time for Vector Control to achieve their CEU credits before a potentially busy mosquito season.  Luckily TDA has made several adjustments to help everyone out this year.

- Licensed applicators with expiring licenses or needing CEUs will be allowed to renew their license even if they have not met the CEU requirement for their current licensing period through Dec 31, 2020.
- Commercial, Non-Commercial and Non-Commercial Political Applicators:
For licenses expiring in 2020 only: TDA will exempt commercial, non-commercial and non-commercial political applicators who have taken online or correspondence courses within the last year. The TDA Rule 7.24 (t)(2) does not allow for online or correspondence courses to be taken 2 years consecutively. In light of the unusual circumstances due to COVID19, TDA will allow online or correspondence courses to be taken 2 consecutive years. This exemption will be for the current 2020 licensing period.
- Private Applicators:
For licenses expiring 2020 only: The TDA will also exempt private applicators from the TDA Rule 7.24 (v)(5). This rule does not allow a private applicator to acquire more than 10 CEUs through correspondence courses. During this quarantine time frame, private applicators will be allowed to acquire ALL of their CEUs through correspondence courses (online).
-Testing :
All testing is suspended at this time. PSI has indicated that they will cease operations until at least April 13, 2020.
-Vector CEU courses moving online
Please stay tuned! I will be offering our Vector CEU course online April 8th and April 16th! Please sign up at https://livestockvetento.tamu.edu/workshop-registration/ 

Can Mosquitoes carry COVID-19

Short answer – NO!!
Mosquitoes are NOT carriers for COVID19.
There is no known proof that mosquitoes can vector COVID-19.

A recent article from TAMU experts –

https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2020/03/20/can-ticks-and-mosquitoes-transmit-the-coronavirus/

From the WHO – World Health Organization

The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.

To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.

 


From the CDC – Centers for Disease Control
• Mosquitoes and ticks can’t spread all types of viruses. 

• At this time, we have no data to suggest that COVID-19 or other similar coronaviruses (e.g. SARS, MERS) are spread by mosquitoes or ticks. 

• For a virus to pass to a person through a mosquito or tick bite, the virus must be able to replicate inside the mosquito or tick. 

Day 14 of Quarantine - Let's start a Blog!

Hi All,

As we all try to figure out how to help the current crisis, many of us are being asked to adjust our way of thinking and working. Many of you are still working day-to-day because you are considered essential to America. Many of you may have been told to work from home and might still be trying to maneuver through that.

I for one have found myself with more free time, so to speak, than I have had in 3 years, but it is not all open time. My schedule has been wiped clean and I now find myself at home working at a kitchen table while homeschooling four kids. The family time is great, as I spent a lot of time on the road doing face-to-face meetings, which are prohibited at this time, but this is a change to my norm.

While adjusting no public interaction, I felt the need to find a new way to connect with you all and provide valuable entomological information. With doing that I have decided to start a blog. This is all new territory for me but since it has been three or maybe four years since I have had time to actually write a newsletter, I felt it was time to reconnect in another way.

I plan to provide information on both human and animal biting pests, those that vector diseases and those that blood feed. I hope that you find the information beneficial and will choose to subscribe.

Thanks

Sonja