PRELIMINARY RESEARCH AT THE FLORIDA MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY LAB IN VERO BEACH, FLORIDA

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
311	3110	1130	10%
311	3110	1170	10%
721	3110	1040	10%
721	3110	1070	10%
721	3110	1080	10%
721	3110	1130	10%
721	3110	1170	10%
722	3110	1170	10%
722	4030	1130	10%
722	4030	1170	10%

Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Factors influencing mosquito ability to transmit arboviruses were assessed with attention to the complex interactions between the environment and genetic factors controlling vector traits. Hypotheses about the evolution of mosquito traits essential for mosquito capacity to transmit arboviruses were presented that suggest that such traits are the effects of adaptations for other yet unknown functions. Strategies for barrier trapping of Aedes albopictus were investigated using a cell-based model of emergence and initial movement. Dispersion of larval habitat did not affect relative efficacy of different strategies. Trap layout was more important than density, unlike similar model studies of Aedes taeniorhynchus. Traps around the full perimeter of the target area were most effective. An individual-based model was developed to investigate how effects of competition in the larval stage on attributes of adult biology (biting rate, survival, transmission rates) interact to alter vectorial capacity. For both individuals and groups of individuals from the same container, the index of vectorial capacity ranged widely. There were regions of parameter space where reduced numbers of larvae in a container (as would result from control) increased the index of vectorial capacity. PARTICIPANTS: Walter J. Tabachnick (PI) led assessments of environmental and genetic effects on vector-borne disease epidemiology and complex interactions between environment effects and vector genetic background. He proposed novel ideas about the evolution of mosquito competence for arbovirus transmission. He also provided the assessments resulting in recommendations concerning dengue transmission in Florida, and the effects of reducing state support for mosquito control on mosquito control capabilities to control dengue epidemics. Cynthia C. Lord (PI) led studies on trapping mosquitoes and the effects of competition in the larval stage on adult characteristics. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences of this work are mosquito control professionals, public health professionals, responsible government officials and scientists working on mosquito-borne diseases. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Understanding the factors that influence mosquito capability to transmit arboviruses remain difficult. The ability of certain mosquito species to transmit a particular arbovirus is influenced by a complex interaction of unknown mosquito genetic factors and poorly understood environmental factors. The realization that many of the traits controlling mosquito ability for arbovirus transmission are the result of the effects of other yet unknown adaptations offers the prospect of identifying these adaptations and providing knowledge about the factors that influence their frequencies and distributions in natural mosquito populations. This would provide greater ability to predict future outbreaks of disease and provide novel strategies to reduce the frequencies of the best vectors. Studies to interpret mosquito trapping information for use in understanding mosquito movement patterns are critical in order to use this information to understand vector-borne disease epidemiology and for effective mosquito control.

Publications

Tabachnick, W. J. (2012). Key West must continue the fight against dengue. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 12(1): 3-5.
Tabachnick, W. J. (2012). An unhealthy temperature. Public Service Review: Health and Social Care. 32: 1-2.
Tabachnick, W. J. (2012). Moving forward in the battle against Aedes aegypti and dengue in Key West, Florida. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 12(2): 3-5.
Tabachnick, W. J. (2012). Developing an effective mosquito control program to combat dengue! BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 12(3): 4-7.
Tabachnick, W. J. (2012). Florida mosquito control and dengue in Florida. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 12(4): 3-5.
Tabachnick, W. J. (2012). Predicting the risk for West Nile using sentinel chickens or monitoring mosquito infection rates. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 12(5): 4-6.
Tabachnick, W. J. (2012). Obituary: Floridas Mosquito Control Research Program. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 12(6): 6-8.

Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The effects of climate and environmental changes on the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases were reviewed. The role of the environment and climate change, on vector borne diseases is complex and unfortunately not predictable. The need for Florida mosquito control and public health actions to control, mitigate, and/or stop epidemic dengue in Florida and the impact of reductions in Florida state support for mosquito control on Florida's capabilities to reduce vector-borne disease outbreaks were reviewed. Biological and environmental factors influence Culex vector competence for West Nile virus in complex non-linear ways making it very difficult to assess findings in one vector population to other populations under different environmental conditions. Aedes taeniorhynchus model and field data were used to explore which traps collected the most mosquitoes and whether this indicates patterns of mosquito movement. The project also considered other species such as Ae. albopictus. Elements of the model were found that require modification and are of most interest for analysis. The dynamics of canine influenza virus transmission in dog populations and intervention strategies for reducing transmission were explored. An individual based model was developed to consider the consequences of an infectious dog arriving at a dog show that showed that the contact between all dogs at the show had the most influence on the number of dogs leaving infected, and that contact with the judges had little effect. With no control, baseline contact rates, and no secondary transmission, one infectious dog arriving resulted in an average of 13% of the dogs leaving infected. Allowing secondary transmission increased this to 44%. Vaccination had more effect than judge decontamination in preventing transmission, but even with 99% coverage 7% of dogs left the show infected. Ixodes scapularis tick populations were evaluated at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area in Indian River County Florida. Tick populations continue to be low, showing no signs of recovery after the 2004 hurricanes. A remote control vehicle was developed to sample ticks in dense vegetation. PARTICIPANTS: Walter J. Tabachnick (PI) led assessments of environmental and climate effects on vector-borne disease epidemiology and complex interactions between environment and biological factors influencing Culex vector competence for West Nile virus. He also provided the assessments resulting in recommendations concerning dengue transmission in Florida, and the effects of reducing state support for mosquito control on mosquito control capabilities to control dengue epidemics. Cynthia C. Lord (PI) led studies on trapping mosquitoes, dynamics of canine influenza transmission, and the analyses of Florida tick populations. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences of this work are mosquito control professionals, public health professionals, responsible government officials and scientists working on mosquito-borne diseases. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Forecasting the potential effects of global climate change on vector borne diseases remain difficult. The increased demonstration of nonlinear interactions between biological and environmental factors influencing vector competence for arboviruses continues to explore the need to interpret laboratory and field studies with this in mind particularly to provide realistic assessments of vector ability in nature. Studies to interpret mosquito trapping information for use in understanding mosquito movement patterns are critical in order to use this information to understand vector-borne disease epidemiology and for effective mosquito control. The models of canine influenza virus provide direction on the actions that might prove the most effective to reduce transmission of this virus between dogs at dog shows. The development of a remote tick sampling vehicle will provide for more efficient sampling of tick population in vegetative areas for better assessments of the risk of tick-borne pathogens like Lyme disease.

Publications

Lord, C. C, Alto, B. W., Anderson, S. L., Connelly, C. R., Day, J. F., Richards, S. L., Smartt, C. T. and Tabachnick, W. J. (2011). Can Horton hear the Whos Scale in vector-borne disease. Abstract 195. Mtg. of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Philadelphia, PA.
Richards, S. L., Anderson, S. L., Lord, C. C. and Tabachnick, W. J. (2011). Impact of West Nile virus dose and incubation period on vector competence of Culex nigripalpus. Vector-Borne Zoon. Dis. 11: 1487-1491.
Richards, S. L., Anderson, S. L., Lord, C. C. , Smartt, C. T. , and Tabachnick, W. J. (2012). Relationships between infection, dissemination, and transmission of West Nile virus RNA in Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae). J. Med. Entomol. 49: 132-143.
Tabachnick, W. J. (2011). Key West and Singapore. Meeting the challenge of dengue control and two island communities. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 11(1): 11-14.
Tabachnick, W. J. (2011). FMCA Tallahassee Days 2011: The battle continues. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 11(2): 7-8.
Tabachnick, W. J. (2011). What is next for Florida state aid for mosquito control BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 11(3): 8-11.
Tabachnick, W. J. (2011). A dangerous Precedent: Reducing Florida mosquito control capabilities in the face of a potential catastrophic dengue outbreak. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 11(6).
Tabachnick, W. J. (2011). An assessment of what we can learn from dengue transmission in Florida during 2011. Annual Meeting of the Florida Mosquito Control Association, Jacksonville, FL.
Tabachnick, W. J and Day, J. F. (2011). A ray of sunshine in the fight against dengue. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 11(5) 6-7.
Tabachnick W. J., Harvey, W. R., Becnel, J. J., Clark, G. G., Connelly, C. R., Day, J. F., Linser, P. J. and Linthicum, K. J. (2011). Countering a bioterrorist introduction of pathogen-infected mosquito control. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 27(2): 165-7.
Tabachnick, W. J. (2011). Floridas future is at stake: The status of the Florida mosquito control research program. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 11(4): 8-10.

Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Climate and environmental changes influence the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases in complex unpredictable ways. The need for Florida mosquito control and public health actions to control, mitigate, and/or stop an epidemic of dengue in Key West Florida during the summer of 2010 was advised. The lack of community support for anti-dengue control in Key West was a critical impediment in efforts to contain the epidemic. Biological and environmental factors that influence Culex vector competence for West Nile virus were shown to influence one another in complex non-linear ways making it very difficult to assess findings across vector populations under different environmental conditions. The impacts of efficient and ecologically-sound management for mosquito source reduction techniques in important Florida mangrove habitats were evaluated. A general guide was provided for wetlands professionals on mosquito/public health issues associated with wetlands management and restoration. Although virus generalists generally perform differently than specialists when viruses grow at novel temperatures, contrary to theoretical predictions, virus generalists were selectively disadvantaged at extreme cool and warm environments. Invasive mosquitoes Aedes japonicus and Aedes albopictus differed in their susceptibility to insecticide malathion. Insecticide-mediated alterations in competition and species-specific differences in susceptibility to insecticides could play a role in enhancing invasive potential of A. albopictus. The effects of low concentrations of insecticide malathion on the Northern House mosquito Culex pipiens experiencing stress from larval competition showed that mortality associated with the application of insecticide releases survivors from competition. In novel-host challenges, viruses directly selected for generalism in terms of host use showed relatively higher or equivalent host growth, lower among-population variance in host growth, and lower population variance in growth across hosts suggesting that directly selected host breadth should favor host colonization and promote emergence of viruses. Ixodes scapularis tick populations were sampled in the a county park in Indian River County Florida. Adult activity continued at a low level showing that tick populations have not recovered since their decline following the 2004 Florida hurricanes. Models were developed to examine the factors affecting Canine influenza outbreaks in shelter populations following introduction. Infection levels were high, with outbreaks in all simulations. Further models examined possible control via isolation of clinically ill dogs. A model with a simplified landscape was used to predict relative efficacies of trap strategies. Two strategies were tested and both were protective although there were differences predicted by the models that may reflect the high level of variability in the field as compared to the deterministic model. The relatively small difference between Line high and encircle low strategies indicates that there may be conditions where the line strategy is most cost-efficient, as it requires fewer traps. PARTICIPANTS: Walter J. Tabachnick (PI) led assessments of environmental and climate effects on vector-borne disease epidemiology and complex interactions between environment and biological factors influencing Culex vector competence for West Nile virus. He also provided the assessments resulting in recommendations that community participation was essential in controlling the 2010 Key West Florida dengue epidemic. Jorge R. Rey (PI) led studies characterizing the effects of mosquito control techniques in mangrove communities and led efforts in guidelines for mosquito control professionals in wetland habitats. Barry Alto (PI) led studies on insecticide resistance effects at varying levels of larval competition, and studies on comparing virus generalist and specialists. Cynthia Lord (PI) led studies modeling the effects of different mosquito trapping strategies for mosquito control. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences of this work are mosquito control professionals, public health professionals, responsible government officials and scientists working on mosquito-borne diseases. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The complexity of forecasting potential effects of global climate change on vector borne diseases led to development of a novel view of the evolution of vector-borne disease episystems that will provide better understanding of these systems and their further evolution. Findings showing nonlinear interactions between biological and environmental factors influencing vector competence for arboviruses demonstrate the caution needed in interpreting laboratory and field studies in characterizing vector competence with assurance. Showing the complexity of the controlling factors and their influence is a first step in providing realistic assessments of vector ability in nature. Results on mosquito control management techniques provide for improved management of coastal and inland wetlands for natural resource protection and protecting public health and well-being. Showing the potential effects of insecticide treatment in reducing competitive larval interactions and the effects on adult vector competence is essential to gauge the potential effects of mosquito control on mosquito-borne disease transmission. The studies of comparing virus generalists and specialists form the basis for assessing ecological effects on the epidemiology of arboviruses. Combined these studies influence our understanding leading to the ability to more effectively control vector-borne diseases

Publications

Alto, B.W., and Turner, P.E. (2010). Consequences of host adaptation for performance of vesicular stomatitis virus in novel thermal environments. Evolutionary Ecology 24: 299-315.
Anderson, S.L, Richards, Smartt, C.T. and Tabachnick, W.J. (2010). The effects of West Nile virus dose and extrinsic incubation temperature on the temporal progression of vector competence in Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae). J. Amer. Mosq. Contr. Assoc. 26: 103-107.
Berg, J.A., Felton, M.G., Gecy, J.L., Laderman, A.D., Mayhew, C.R., Mengler, J.L., Meredith, W.H., Read, N.R., Rey, J.R., Roberts, C., Sakolsky, G.E., Walton, W.E., Wolfem R.J. (2010). Mosquito control and wetlands. Wetland Science and Practice 27:24-34.
Connelly, C.R., Mores, C.N., Smartt, C.T. and Tabachnick, W.J. (2010). Chikungunya. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN696.
Kesavaraju, B., Alto, B.W., Afify, A. and Gaugler, R. (2010). Malathion influences competition between Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus. Journal of Medical Entomology 47: 1011-1018.
Muturi, E.J., Costanzo, K., Kesayaraju, B., Lampman, R. and Alto, B.W. (2010). Interaction of a pesticide and larval competition on life history traits of Culex pipiens. Acta Tropica 116: 141-146.
Rey, J.R., O'Connell, S.M., Carlson, D.B. and Brockmeyer, R.E. (2009). Characteristics of mangrove swamps managed for mosquito control in eastern Florida, USA: a re-examination. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 389: 295-300.
Rey, J.R., Connelly, C.R., Mores, C.N., Smartt, C.T. and Tabachnick, W.J. (2010). La Fiebre Chikungunya. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN729.
Richards, S.L., Lord, C.C., Pesko, K.N. and Tabachnick, W.J. (2010). Environmental and biological factors influencing Cx p quinquefasciatus vector competence for WNV. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 83: 126-134.
Tabachnick, W.J. (2010). Challenges in predicting climate and environmental effects on vector-borne disease episystems in a changing world. J. Exp. Biol. 213: 946-95181.
Tabachnick, W.J. (2010). Dengue fever is a serious threat that should not lightly be dismissed. Key West Citizen, KeyNews.com http://keysnews.com/node/26051.
Tabachnick, W.J. (2010). Florida Keys Mosquito Control deserves community support not rancor. Key West Citizen,. KeyNews.com http://keysnews.com/node/26462.
Tabachnick, W.J. (2010). Dengue fever threat more serious than reporting suggests. Florida KeyNoter KeysNet.com http://www.keysnet.com/2010/09/16/258895/dengue-fever-threat-more-ser ious.html.
Tabachnick, W.J. (2010). One World: Haiti, dengue, Florida. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 10(1): 8-9.
Tabachnick, W.J. (2010). Florida's third rail: Declaration of a mosquito-borne illness threat. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 10(2): 9-11.
Tabachnick, W.J. (2010). The Best of Florida mosquito control: Dr. George O'Meara. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 10(3): 7-8.
Tabachnick, W.J. (2010). Dengue in Key West Florida's dirty little secret Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 10(4): 13-15.
Tabachnick, W.J. (2010). Dengue in Key West: The perfect storm. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association. 10(5): 9-12.
Tabachnick, W.J. (2010). The FMCA is needed more than ever. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 10(6): 8-9.
Turner, P.E., Morales, N.M., Alto, B.W. and Remold, S.K. (2010). Role of evolved host breadth in the initial emergence of an RNA virus. Evolution 64: 3273-3286.

Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: A review was provided on the history and current status of research programs on mosquitoes and mosquito control in Florida. Several research programs including those at Florida A&M University, University of Florida and at the USDA -ARS Center for Medical and Veterinary Entomology have long histories and are still currently very active in providing research on mosquitoes and mosquito borne diseases. An assessment was provided on the impact of proposed draconian reductions in the State mosquito control budget for 2009 illustrating the critical nature of mosquito control to Florida's health and well being and the likelihood of significant damage to the state due to proposed reductions. The potential of using infected mosquitoes as a bioterrorist weapon and the role of mosquito control to prevent and/or mitigate this was provided to the Florida Mosquito Control Association to initiate development of plans to increase mosquito control capabilities. An outbreak of dengue that occurred in Key West during the summer of 2009 was reviewed to illustrate mosquito control's efforts in reducing the number of human cases and the need for improved capabilities. The potential impact of climate change on vector-borne diseases was reviewed illustrating the complexity of these disease cycles and the difficulties in predicting future consequences of climate change. Predicting and mitigating the effects of future changes in the environment like climate change on the complex arthropod-pathogen-host epidemiological cycle requires understanding of a variety of complex mechanisms from the molecular to the population level. Although there has been substantial progress on many fronts the challenges to effectively understand and mitigate the impact of potential changes in the environment on vector-borne pathogens are formidable and at an early stage of development. Human landing catches conducted in three Amazonian riverine villages for 32 consecutive months yielded 759,821 adult anopheline mosquitoes which were identified to species. Abundances of the six most common were correlated with rainfall in species-specific patterns, and Anopheles darlingi numbers were positively correlated with precipitation four to five months previous. PARTICIPANTS: Walter J. Tabachnick (PI) led development of assessments on the effects of budget reductions on mosquito control and Florida, assessed status of Florida mosquito research programs, provided consequences and need to predict effects of global climate change on vector borne diseases, provided mosquito control concerns to mitigate use of infected mosquitoes as a bioterrorist weapon. L. Philip Lounibos (PI) led studies on the correlations between mosquito abundance and human malaria cases in the Amazon region of Brazil. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences of this work are mosquito control professionals, public health professionals, responsible government officials and scientists working on mosquito-borne diseases. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
In the light of the assessments on the potential consequences to Florida, the proposed draconian reductions in the 2009 Florida mosquito control budget were considered imprudent and the budget was restored by Florida legislature to 2008 levels. The work done on assessing Florida mosquito control capabilities in preventing/mitigating use of infected mosquitoes as a bioterrorist weapon resulted in planning workshops integrated with other Florida emergency agencies to address this issue. The complexity of forecasting potential effects of global climate change on vector borne diseases led to development of a novel view of the evolution of vector-borne disease episystems that will provide better understanding of these systems and their further evolution. The additional positive correlations between malaria cases and abundances of suspected vectors demonstrate that climatic variables can be valuable for predicting malaria incidence.

Publications

Tabachnick, W.J. (2009). Cutting Floridas state support for mosquito control. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 9(2): 7-10.
Tabachnick, W.J. (2009). Mosquito control as a first responder to bioterrorism. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 9(3): 14-15.
Tabachnick, W.J. (2009). Assessing aerial larviciding: Pay attention to sampling design. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 9(4): 13.
Tabachnick, W.J. (2009). Dengue in Key West. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 9(5): 11-13.
Tabachnick, W.J. (2009). 2010 proposed cuts in state aid for mosquito control Round 2. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 9(6): 10-13.
Galardo, A.K.R., Zimmerman, R.H., Lounibos, L.P., Young, L.J., Galardo, C.D., Arruda, M., and D'Almeida Couto, A.A.R. (2009). Seasonal abundance of anopheline mosquitoes and their association with rainfall and malaria along the Matapi River, Amapa, Brazil. Medical and Veterinary Entomology 23(4):in press.
Linthicum, K., Tabachnick, W.J, and Smith, J.L. (2009). Mosquito research programs in Florida, pp. 111-134. In C Connelly and D Carlson [eds.], Florida Mosquito Control: The State of the Mission as Defined by Mosquito Controllers, Regulators and Environmental Managers. Tabachnick, W.J. (2009). Florida mosquito control during the Florida budget crisis. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 9(1): 10-11.

Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: OUTPUTS: The relationship between blood meal volume, virus titer and the probability of susceptibility of the mosquito midgut to be infected with an arbovirus was explored. Larger viruses and larger blood meal volumes increase the probability of midgut infection. The effects of assuming a random distribution of an arbovirus in a blood meal on the probability of a midgut infection were explored. To understand more about the host-seeking strategies and the numbers, types and location of antennal sensory structures basic to the host-seeking behavior of Culex nigripalpus scanning electron microscope images were made of the antennae from 12 female mosquitoes. Preliminary work showed that the there was a polymorphism in the numbers of antennal segments between some Cx. nigripalpus females. The images are being used to describe the morphology of the antennae, including all visible sensory structures. The population of Ixodes scapularis at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA) in Vero Beach, Florida, was sampled throughout the year. There were very few ticks found, with only 5 males collected in the activity season from December 2007-March 2008. It is not yet apparent if this is a long-term decline in tick abundance or a response to more host activity. A project was designed to replace Diaphorina citri populations in Florida to eliminate citrus greening within 3-5 years. This project represented a collaborative enterprise with several organizations bringing together vector biologists to use genomic approaches to alter D. citri to be incapable of spreading citrus greening. New approaches involving Diaphorina population genetics, genomics, transgenics and paratransgenics were designed to manage the vector competence of psyllid populations for citrus greening. PARTICIPANTS: PARTICIPANTS: Walter J. Tabachnick (PI) - supervised individual projects. C. Roxanne Connelly (co-PI) - supervised individual projects. C. C. Lord (co-PI) - supervised individual projects. TARGET AUDIENCES: Mosquito control, public health professionals, vector biologists, scientific community PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Important new knowledge increased understanding of mosquito vectors of disease, and an important insect vector of a plant pathogen. Work on the mechanisms resulting in infected mosquitoes is essential for understanding the transmission of vector borne pathogens and the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases. Knowledge of antennal polymorphism and effects on the behavior of Culex nigripalpus, an important Florida vector of West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis viruses, provides greater opportunity to understand the epidemiology of these diseases and potential for novel control. The development of a program using state of the art methods from vector biology to control the devastating disease of citrus greening provides a novel approach to this important issue not seen previously.

Publications

Balasuriya U., Nadler S., Wilson W., Tabachnick, W.J. and MachLachlan, N.J. 2008. The NS3 proteins of global strains of bluetongue virus evolve into regional topotypes through negative (purifying) selection. Vet. Microbiol. 126(1-3): 91-100.
Gibbs E.P., Tabachnick W.J., Stallknecht, D.E. and Holt T.J. 2008. US concerns over bluetongue. Science 320: 872.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2008. A review of West Nile epidemiology. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association. Vero Beach, FL: Florida Mosquito Control Association, 8 (5): 11-2.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2008. Florida mosquito control research program. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association. Vero Beach, Florida: Florida Mosquito Control Association, 8(1): 6-7.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2008. Meeting of Florida vector-borne disease scientists. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association. 8(3): 4-5.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2008. The importance of Florida Mosquito Control Association's Tallahassee days. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association. Vero Beach, Florida: Florida Mosquito Control Association, 8(2): 10-1.
Tabachnick W.J., Linthicum, K. and Smith, J.L. 2008. Mosquito research programs in Florida. In: Connelly C, Carlson D, eds. Florida Mosquito Control: The State of the Mission as Defined by Mosquito Controllers, Regulators and Environmental Managers: Florida Coordinating Council on Mosquito Control, 111-34.

Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Anopheles darlingi and Anopheles marajoara were identified as the most important vectors of human malaria, with Anopheles nuneztovari the most important secondary vector species in three riverine villages in Amapa State, Brazil,. A review of invasive mosquito vectors presented at an international congress. Regular sampling from a marsh near Buenos Aires revealed that immatures of a poorly known sabethine mosquito species could be found throughout the year in axils of the bulrush, Scirpus giganteus. Human bait collections in disturbed forests near Iquitos, Peru revealed that the most important vector species of sylvan yellow fever was more abundant in the canopy, but no correlations were detected between its host seeking activity and temperature and relative humidity. The differentiation in bluetongue virus strains from around the world showed regional topotypes that were likely the result of purifying selection on bluetongue viruses in different regions. The relationship of mosquito age, incubation temperature and virus dose was characterized in major Culex vector species for both West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis viruses. The potential impact of Chikungunya on the U. S. and particularly on Florida was evaluated and thought to be of substantial risk. Research was initiated to understand host-seeking strategies and the numbers, types and location of antennal sensory structures basic to the host-seeking behavior of Culex nigripalpus by examining the morphology of the antennae of female Culex nigripalpus through SEM. A program to enhance Staff Development for Tuba City, Arizona Teachers, Office of Indian Education Programs was developed to develop, implement and evaluate curriculum related to science education of K-12 teachers of Native Americans. PARTICIPANTS: Walter J. Tabachnick (PI) - supervised individual projects. C. Roxanne Connelly (co-PI) - supervised individual projects. C. C. Lord (co-PI) - supervised individual projects. L. P. Lounibos (co- PI) - supervised individual projects. Robert H. Zimmerman (co-PI) - supervised individual projects. Stephanie L. Richards - conducted West Nile vector competence studies

Impacts
Identification of the major malaria vectors in this region of Brazil provides a means to begin developing targeted vector control to reduce malaria transmission. Information on sylvan yellow fever transmission in Peru adds to ability to understand this cycle and implications for epidemic transmission of yellow fever in urban settings in South America. the assessment of genetic diversity in bluetongue viruses world-wide and reasons for genetic diversity provides a means to assess the risk due to the spread of different viruses to new regions. Studies on the effects of environmental factors on Culex vector competence provided information essential to gauge periods when vectors become more capable to transmit West Nile virus.

Publications

Galardo A.K.R., Arruda, M., DAlmeida Cuoto, A.A.R., Wirtz, R., Lounibos, L.P. and Zimmerman, R.H. 2007. Malaria vector incrimination in three riverine villages in the Brazilian Amazon. Am. J. Trop. Med Hyg. 76: 461-469.
Richards, S.L., Lord, C.C., Mores, C.N. and Tabachnick, W.J. 2007. Impact of mosquito age and extrinsic incubation temperature on susceptibility of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) for St. Louis Encephalitis virus. Amer. Soc. Virol., Montreal
Richards, S.L., Lord, C.C., Pesko, K., Mores, C.N. and Tabachnick, W.J. 2007. Incubation temperature and level of virus exposure on susceptibility of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) for West Nile virus. Amer. Soc. Virol., Montreal.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2007. Chikungunya and Dengue: Challenges for Florida mosquito control. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association. 7(1): 7-8.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2007. Tough choices for West Nile virus surveillance programs. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association. 7(2): 4-5.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2007. Caution on proposals to reduce Florida mosquito control budgets: Dangerous times and a step back for public health and well-being. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association. 7(3): 9.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2007. Is West Nile virus a threat to Florida? Reasons for concern. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association. 7(4): 8-9.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2007. Vector borne pathogens and the University of Floridas Emerging Pathogens Institute. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association. 7(5): 4-5.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2007. Florida and Chikungunya: Chikungunya Italian style. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association. 7(6): 9-12.
Arruda, M., Souza, R., Ferreira, J.O.J. and Zimmerman, R. H. 2007. Prevalence and level of antibodies to the circumsporozoite protein of human malaria parasites with emphasis to Plasmodium vivax variants in five Amazon states of Brazil. Mem. Oswaldo Cruz 102: 367-371.
Balasuriya, U.B.R.,.....Tabachnick, W.J. and MacLachlan, N.J. 2007. The NS3 proteins of global strains of bluetongue virus....... Vet. Microbial. 26: 91-100.
Chadee, D.D., Pattamaporn, K., Morrison, A.C. and Tabachnick, W.J. 2007. A breakthrough for global public health. Science 316: 1703-1704.
Connelly, C.R., O'Meara, G.F., and Tabachnick, W.J. 2007. Fifty years of mosquito research at the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory. Wing Beats 17(3,4): 6-18.
Lounibos L.P. and Rey, J.R. 2007. Ecologia de mosquitos invasores y su impacto en la salud publica. Pp. 22-28 En: Memorias de XXXIV Congreso Sociedad Colombiana de Entomologia, Cartagena
Marti G.A., Micieli, M.V., Macia, A., Lounibos, L.P. and Garcia, J.J. 2007. Seasonality and abundance of the mosquito Isostomyia paranensis from phytotelmata in temperate Argentina. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 23: 252-258.
Ramirez J.E.P., Yanoviak, S.P., Lounibos, L.P. and Weaver, S.C. 2007. Distribucion vertical del mosquito Haemagogus janthinomys (Dyar) (Diptera: Culicidae) en bosques de la Amazonia peruana. Rev. Peru. Med. Exp. Salud Publica 24: 40-45.

Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06

Outputs
Progress was made in the identification of novel variants of tick-borne arboviruses in Uzbekistan. Novel diagnostic techniques for arboviral characterization. A retrospective epidemiologic study of fever patients yielded promising results, suggesting peridomestic transmission forms of one strain of Tick borne encephalitis complex virus. Vector investigations are in preparation. Several papers resulted. A series of papers described mosquito ecology in the Peruvian Amazon, especially in relation to anthropogenic changes. Deforestation increased the availability of phytotelm larval habitats used by Wyeomyia spp. and Limatus spp., which are known vectors of arboviruses. Forest treeholes harbored more macroinvertebrate species than those in disturbed habitats, in part because some predatory occupants avoided clearings. Haemagogus janthinomys, the most important vector of Yellow Fever and Mayaro viruses in South America, were captured most frequently by human bait in the canopy and differed in abundance among three forest types. Two research papers on the host preference and vector incrimination of anopheline mosquitoes in the Brazilian Amazon were completed. Differences occurred in host selection patterns among villages only a few kilometers apart, which may be influenced by host availability and have important epidemiological consequences. Anopheles darlingi and An. marajoara were incriminated as the most important malaria vectors and the entomological inoculation rates were more important than the sporozoites rates. Monitoring of the population dynamics of the tick Ixodes scapularis was continued. Adult activity began in October and continued through May. Populations continued to be lower than prior to the 2004 hurricanes. This may be due to the severe flooding which occurred in some study areas, or due to increased solar radiation from changes in the tree canopy. Understanding the risk of disease transmission from tick vectors depends on understanding tick-human contact, which depends on the tick population dynamics and variability. These data will aid in our understanding of tick dynamics in south Florida and the impact of extreme weather events. A series of papers were published demonstrating the ability of Culicoides sonorensis to transmit the important veterinary pathogen vesicular stomatitis to livestock. This substantiates the importance of Culicoides in the epidemiology of this disease in North America. Studies were completed that characterized a protein found in Culicoides saliva that has effects on vertebrate host immune functions, e.g. macrophage proliferation.

Impacts
This project provides essential knowledge required by mosquito control and public health agencies to control arthropod vectors of diseases and the diseases they carry involving source reduction, biological control, survey methodology, arthropod-borne disease epidemiology and surveillance, in the state of Florida, the U. S. and the world. Information on arthropod vectors of disease is provided to ensure arthropod and disease control is effective efficient and environmentally proper.

Publications

Bryantseva, E., Komilov, N., Shermukhamedova, D., Khyuziahmetova, I., Umurzakov, S., Kalugina, L., Kadyrov, A., Alakbarova, S., Paragas, J.P. and Mores, C.N. 2006. Tick-borne arbovirus surveillance in Uzbekistan. Amer. Soc. Trop. Med. Hyg. Annual Meeting, Proc. Amer. Soc. Trop. Med. Hyg. Abstract No. 963, pgs 276.
Dyer, J.L., Chisenhall, D. and Mores, C.N. 2006. A multiplexed real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay for arthropod-borne flaviviruses. Amer. Soc. Trop. Med. Hyg. Annual Meeting, Proc. Amer. Soc. Trop. Med. Hyg. Abstract No. 810, pg 234.
Galardo, A.K.R., Arruda, M., D'Almeida Couto, A.A.R., Wirtz, R., Lounibos, L.P. and Zimmerman, R.H. 2006. Malaria vector incrimination in three rural riverine villages in the Brazilian Amazon. Amer. J. Trop. Med & Hyg.
Kadyrov, A., Shermukhamedova, D., Komilov, N., Khodjaev, S., Bryantseva, E., Umurzakov, S., Paragas, J.P. and Mores, C.N. 2006. Reappearance of CCHF and other tick-borne arboviruses in the Syrdarya region of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Amer. Soc. Trop. Med. Hyg. Annual Meeting, Proc. Amer. Soc. Trop. Med. Hyg. Abstract No. 961, pgs 275.
Mores, C.N, Kadyrov, A., Shermukhamedova, D., Bryantseva, E. and Komilov, N. 2006. Identification of transmissive arboviral hotbeds in the Fergana region of Uzbekistan. Internat. Scientific Conf. Monit. Spread and Prevent. Especially Dangerous Diseases of Animals and Birds, Samarkand Vet. Instit, Proc. Samarkand Vet. Inst. Abstract No. 615.616.963-002.79 pgs. 203-204.
Paredes, J.E.R., Yanoviak, S.P., Lounibos, L.P. and Weaver, S.C. 2007. Distribucion vertical del mosquito Haemagogus janthinomys (Dyar) (Diptera: Culicidae) en bosques de la Amazonia peruana. Revista Peruana de Medicina y Salud Publica (in press).
Perez de Leon, A.A., O'Toole, D. and Tabachnick, W.J. 2006. Infection of guinea pigs with Vesicular Stomatitis virus transmitted by the biting midge, Culicoides sonorensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) J. Med Entomol. 43: 568-573.
Perez de Leon, A.A. and Tabachnick, W.J. 2006. Transmission of vesicular stomatitis virus to cattle by the biting midge Culicoides sonorensis. J. Med. Entomol. 43: 323-329.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2006. Laboratory containment practices for arthropod vectors of human and animal pathogens. Lab Animal 35: 1-6.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2006. Support for mosquito and mosquito-borne disease research. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 6(1): 5-8.
Tabachnick, W.J. and Day, J.F. 2006. The Florida West Nile forecast for 2006. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 6(2): 10-11.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2006. And just when you thought it was safe out there, along comes chikungunya. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 6(3): 8-9.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2006. Mosquito surveillance and West Nile prediction: Lessons learned. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 6(4):8-9
Tabachnick, W.J and Day, J.F. 2006. Sentinel chicken surveillance: Some pitfalls in analyzing the data. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 6(5): 7-10.
Tabachnick, W.J. and Day, J.F. 2006. Sentinel chicken surveillance for West Nile virus. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 6(6): 9-10.
Turell, M.J., Mores, C.N., Dohm, D.J., Komilov, N., Paragas, J., Lee, J.S., Shermuhemedova, D., Endy, T.P., Kodirov, A. and Khodjaev, S. 2006. Laboratory Transmission of Japanese Encephalitis and West Nile Viruses by Molestus Form of Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected in Uzbekistan in 2004. J.Med. Entomol. 43(2): 296-300.
Yanoviak S.P., Lounibos, L.P. and Weaver, S.C. 2006. Land use affects macroinvertebrate community composition in phytotelmata in the Peruvian Amazon. Ann. Entomol.Soc. Amer. 99: 1172-1181.
Yanoviak S.P., Paredes, J.E.R., Lounibos, L.P. and Weaver, S.C. 2006. Deforestation alters mosquito habitat availability and production in the Peruvian Amazon. Ecol. Applications 16:1859-1864.
Zimmerman R.H., Galardo, A.K.R., Lounibos, L.P., Arruda, M. and Wirtz, R. 2006. Bloodmeal hosts of Anopheles species (Diptera: Culicidae) in a malaria-endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon. J. Med. Entomol. 43(5): 947-956.
Bishop, J.V., J., Santiago Mejia, Perez de Leon, A.A., W.J. Tabachnick, W.J. and Titus, R.G. 2006. Salivary gland extracts of Culicoides sonorensis inhibit murine lymphocyte proliferation and nitric oxide production by macrophages. J. Amer. Soc. Trop. Med. Hyg. 75: 532-536.

Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05

Outputs
Models were developed on the relative importance of non systemic transmission of pathogens to insects through co feeding between an infected and uninfected insect compared to pathogen transmission from hosts with systemic viremia in the host blood. Models showed that there are conditions where vectors aggregate on the host, when non systemic transmission can be an important epidemiologic factor. Models suggest that hosts with low viremia can under play an important role in the epidemiology of vector borne disease. These models provide new understanding about the epidemiology of insect borne diseases like West Nile and vesicular stomatitis in North America. Transmission of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus by a heretofore unsuspected vector was demonstrated in hamster-baited traps in a disturbed forest habitat near the Amazonian city of Iquitos. Related studies showed that deforestation increases habitat availability for species of the genera Wyeomyia and Limatus known to transmit other arboviruses. Riverine villages 1.5 to 7.0 km apart in the Brazilian Amazon were sampled to determine vertebrate hosts of blood-fed anophelines known as primary vectors of human malaria. The incidences of human blood were relatively low and differed significantly among villages for Anopheles darlingi. Significant differences among villages in proportions of mosquitoes with pig and bovine blood are related to host availability and potentially have important epidemiological consequences for human malaria. Mosquito trapping and environmental monitoring for predicting flight times of Culex nigripalpus females was completed in Manatee County and began in Indian River County. Statistical analyses are being conducted on the Manatee County data sets. Field collections will continue through August 2006. We established the parameters for expressing Bti toxins to overcome the difficulty when toxins that are not properly folded they are inactive and do not kill mosquito larvae. Using both Bti and TMOF enhanced the effect of both TMOF and Bti indicating they are synergistic. Cry11Aa was successfully expressed in yeast cells causing larval mortality. We are cloning TMOF into the cells that are expressing the Cry11Aa to enhance the activity of the cells against mosquito larvae. Two inhibitors were isolated from Diaprepes abbreviatus adult EST libraries and used to identify 2 unique larval cathepsin L inhibitors. Studies on the role of the inhibitors in the control of cathepsin L indicated that at alkaline pH which it is necessary for trypsin activity the inhibitor binds to the enzyme and stops its activity. Control of trypsin activity is a potential target site for biocontrol of the insect.

Impacts
This project provides essential knowledge required by mosquito control and public health agencies to control arthropod vectors of diseases and the diseases they carry involving source reduction, biological control, survey methodology, arthropod-borne disease epidemiology and surveillance, in the state of Florida, the U. S. and the world. Information on arthropod vectors of disease is provided to ensure arthropod and disease control is effective efficient and environmentally proper.

Publications

Black, WC and WJ Tabachnick. 2005. Population genetics. In: WC Marquardt et al. (eds.) Biology of Disease Vectors, 2nd edition, Colorado State University Press, pp. 465-504.
Borovsky, D. 2005. Insect peptide hormones and RNA- mediated interference (RNAi): promising technologies for future plant protection. Phytoparasitica 33: 1-4.
Lord, CC, CR Rutledge, and WJ Tabachnick. 2005. Relationship between host viremia and vector susceptibility for arboviruses. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 5(6): 4.
Tabachnick, WJ. 2005. A Florida mosquito control arbovirus response plan. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 5(1): 5-6.
Tabachnick, WJ. 2005. The name game; Thoughts on the proposed reclassification of Aedini. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 5(3): 9.
Tabachnick, WJ. 2005. Evaluating scientific papers: Details are important. Buzzwords, newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 5(4): 9-10.
Tabachnick, WJ. 2005. West Nile surveillance and Florida mosquito control: Acting on surveillance information. Buzzwords, newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association 5(5): 8-9.
Tabachnick, WJ, JF Day and CR Rutledge. 2005. Florida West Nile surveillance: Estimating mosquito transmission frequencies. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 5(2): 6.
Tabachnick, WJ, CC Lord and CR Rutledge Connelly. 2005. Commentary on research findings. Non viremic transmission of West Nile virus: Implications for understanding West Nile epidemiology. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 5(3): 8.
Yanoviak SP, PV Aguilar, LP Lounibos and SC Weaver. 2005. Transmission of a Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) complex alphavirus by Culex (Melanoconion) gnomatus (Diptera: Culicidae) in northeastern Peru. Journal of Medical Entomology 42: 404-408.

Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04

Outputs
The epidemiology of West Nile virus (WNV) was monitored in Florida. Data on sentinel chickens, human cases, dead birds, and horses were used to assess risk in Florida on the Center Encephalitis Information System. There was sporadic WNV transmission to humans in Florida in 2004 with 41 human cases. A focal outbreak of WNV occurred in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables where the disease incidence was ca. 1/6700 people. This was one of the highest WNV human incidences in the U. S. in 2004. Mosquito trapping showed the presence of the WNV vector Culex nigripalpus in Coconut Grove with WNV mosquito transmission by mosquitoes less then 0.001. The Center surveillance analysis predicted there little risk of a West Nile epidemic in Florid for 2004. Surveillance data is essential for providing appropriate measures to reduce risk of WNV human disease. Suggestions to improve Florida's response to the danger of WNV were provided to Florida's mosquito control and public health community. Mosquito diversity was compared among terrestrial habitats in Peru as a component of risk assessment for arbovirus infection. Diversity was significantly less in plantations than in brush or forest, and Culex gnomatus captured in hamster traps was incriminated as a vector of Venezuelan equine encephalitis. During 2004 the principal vectors of malaria and the plasmodium species circulation in several villages in Brazil were characterized. Data on host preference and seasonal population dynamics were collected and Anopheles darlingi incriminated as the primary vector in the area. The control of Aedes aegypti larvae with recombinant Pichia pastoris cells carrying a TMOF gene was investigated. LC50 of 60 nM and LC90 of 140 nM for the recombinant cells indicated that the cells are an effective alternative to Bti. Bacterial cells were transformed with Cry4Aa and TMOF and the synergism between TMOF and Bti was studied. Larvae that were starved with TMOF responded much faster to the Bti toxin as compared with larvae that were not treated with TMOF. These results indicate that TMOF can synergize with Bti. TMOF was cloned into Alfalfa and the effect of the recombinant plants was studied on the tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens) and the citrus weevil. Recombinant plants stopped trypsin biosynthesis in larvae fed Alfalfa plants indicating that this strategy can be used to control agricultural pest insects, Control of trypsin biosynthesis in mosquitoes and the tobacco budworm was studied using RNAi. Insects injected with dsRNA stopped biosynthesis and insects were not able to digest food. H. virescens larvae stopped trypsin biosynthesis, starved and didn't gain weight. These results indicate that RNAi methods can be used to control the growth and digestion of these insects. The promoter regions of Drosophila melanogaster JH epoxide hydrolase were studied to find out which transcription factors control these promoters. Removal of several regions of the promoters showed that several regions to which inhibiting factors can bind affect promoter's activity.

Impacts
This project provides essential knowledge required by mosquito control and public health agencies to control arthropod vectors of diseases and the diseases they carry involving source reduction, biological control, survey methodology, arthropod-borne disease epidemiology and surveillance, in the state of Florida, the U. S. and the world. Information on arthropod vectors of disease is provided to ensure arthropod and disease control is effective efficient and environmentally proper.

Publications

Borovsky, D. and S. M. Meola. 2004. Biochemical and cytoimmunological evidence for the control of Aedes aegypti larval Trypsin with Aea-TMOF. Arch. Insect. Biochem. Physiol. 55:124-139.
Tabachnick WJ. 2004. Culicoides and the global epidemiology of bluetongue virus infection. In: J.E. Pearson & N.J. MacLachlan, (Eds.), Bluetongue. Proc. Third International Symposium, Taormina, 26-29 October 2003. Vet. Ital., 40 (4)
Tabachnick, WJ. 2004. Floridas sentinel chicken surveillance program: Smart chickens. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 4(1): 7-8.
Tabachnick, WJ. 2004. Sentinel surveillance and human risk for West Nile. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 4(2): 10-12
Tabachnick, WJ. 2004. Conversations with Robinson. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 4(3): 5.
Tabachnick, WJ and JF Day. 2004. West Nile epidemic? These are the questions we will ask. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 4(4): 7-8
Tabachnick, WJ. 2004. Florida in 2004: Hurricanes, mosquitoes and West Nile. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 4(5):7-8.
Tabachnick, WJ. 2004. Floridas 2004 West Nile transmission season. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 4 (6): 7-8.
Rutledge, CR, JF Day, CC Lord, GF O'Meara, JR Rey and WJ Tabachnick, Eds. 2004. Florida mosquito control response to the challenge of West Nile virus. Technical Bulletin of the Florida Mosquito Control Association. Vol. 4. E. O. Painter Printing Co. DeLeon Springs, FL, 43 pp.
Yanoviak SP, PV Aguilar, LP Lounibos & SC Weaver. Transmission of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) by Culex (Melanoconion) gnomatus (Diptera: Culicidae) in northeastern Peru. 2004. J. Med. Entomol. in press.

Progress 10/01/02 to 10/01/03

Outputs
The epidemiology and spread of West Nile (WN) virus continued to be monitored in Florida. Data on sentinel chickens, human cases, dead birds, and horses collected by the FL Dept. of Health and Dept. of Agric. was evaluated and used to assess risk in the state of Florida on the Center Encephalitis Information System maintained on the Center web site. There was sporadic WN transmission to humans in Florida in 2003 with 89 human cases. The Center evaluation of surveillance data throughout the 2003 season continually predicted that there was little risk of a substantial WN outbreak in Florida, and that the number of human cases would not reach epidemic proportions. The ability to use surveillance data to accurately assess the risk of WN transmnission to humans is essential for providing appropriate measures to reduce risk of disease. Several papers were published in Florida Mosquito Control newsletters to improve the Florida chicken sentinel surveillance system for assessing human risk from WN virus. Suggestions to improve Florida's response to the danger of WN virus were provided to Florida's mosquito control and public health community. A Center coordinated state wide meeting on WN virus resulted in a handbook for use by Floridas mosquito control and public health communities to assist in addressing issues associated with the risk of WN in the state. A focal outbreak of malaria transmission in West Palm Beach was evaluated, resulting in advice on appropriate mosquito control and public health responses by responsible agencies to protect the public. this information allowed responsible agencies to react with appropriate responses to the focal malaria transmission in this area. Guidelines for working with infected arthropods in the laboratory were developed and published that form the basis for working safely in the laboratory with potentially infectious arthropods. Field and laboratory studies on the use of native copepod species for the control of container-breeding mosquitoes were conducted. The first phase of this project was completed and results published demonstrating that native Florida copepods are capable of reducing mosquitoes in containers to which they have been added. This environmentally friendly mosquito control strategy shows great promise as an alternative to chemical strategies.

Impacts
This project provides essential knowledge required by mosquito control and public health agencies to control arthropod vectors of diseases involving source reduction, biological control, survey methodology, arthropod-borne disease epidemiology and surveillance, in the state of Florida, the U. S. and the world. Information on arthropod vectors of disease is provided to ensure arthropod and disease control is effective efficient and environmentally proper.

Publications

Tabachnick, W.J. 2003. Sentinel chicken surveillance programs: Pay attention to safety. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 3(3): 10-12.
Tabachnick, W.J. and Day, J.F. 2003. WN in Florida: Detection, surveillance, human cases and Floridas response policy. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 3(5): 10-11.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2003. Reflections on the Anopheles gambiae genome sequence, transgenic mosquitoes and the prospect for controlling malaria and other vector borne diseases. J. Med. Entomol. 40: 597-606.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2003. West Nile in Florida: The calm before the storm. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 3(1): 11-12.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2003. The relationship of West Nile dead birds and human cases. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 3(2): 9-10.
O'Toole D., Perez de Leon, A.A., Hearne, C., McHolland, L., Yun, L., and Tabachnick, W. 2003. Papular dermatitis induced in guinea pigs by the biting midge Culicoides sonorensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). J. Vet. Diagn. Invest. 15: 67-71.
Rey, J. R , O'Connell, S. Suarez, Z. Menendez, Lounibos, L. P. and Byer, G. 2004. Laboratory and field studies of Macrocyclops albidus (Crustacea: Copepoda) for biological control of mosquitoes in artificial containers in a sub-tropical environment. J. Vector Ecology, in press.
Rutledge, C.R., Day, J.F., Lord, C.C., Stark, L. and Tabachnick, W.J . 2003. West Nile virus transmission by Florida Culex mosquitoes: Transmission rates are different from infection rates. J. Med. Entomol. 40: 253-258.
Benedict, M.Q., Higgs, S. and Tabachnick, W.J. 2003. Arthropod containment guidelines. Vector Borne and Zoonotic Dis. 3: 61-98.
Black, W.C. and Tabachnick, W.J. 2004. Population genetics. In: WC Marquardt et al. (eds.) Biology of Disease Vectors, 2nd edition, Colorado State University Press, in press.
Day, J.F. and Tabachnick, W.J. 2003. Great move by the Indian River County Health Department and the Florida Department of Health, September 2003. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 3(6): 12-14.
Higgs, S., Benedict, M.Q., and Tabachnick, W.J. 2003. Arthropod containment guidelines. In: RC Richmond (ed.) Anthology of Biosafety. VI. Arthropod Borne Diseases. American Biological Safety Assoc., 72-84.

Progress 10/01/01 to 10/01/02

Outputs
West Nile (WN) encephalitis and eastern equine encephalitis viruses (EEE) were transmitted to birds, horses and humans in Florida during 2002. The risk to humans from these viruses in Florida was continually assessed throughout the summer on a web based Encephalitis Information System that was provided to Florida mosquito control and health professionals. DNA molecular markers were used to evaluate genetic variation in Culex nigripalpus and Ochlerotatus teanhiorhyncus. Preliminary studies found morphological differences between larval Culex nigripalpus in west Florida compared to east Florida, suggestive of a species complex. This finding will improve understanding of geographic variation in the epidemiology and control of WN and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) viruses transmitted by this species. Preliminary analyses assessed the impact of co feeding transfer of vesicular stomatitus (VS) virus between blood feeding arthropods on the epidemiology of VS virus in North America. The transfer of VS virus between co feeding arthropods explains why this virus spreads quickly, seasonally and episodically between livestock in the western U. S. Evaluations provided efficacy of two larval insecticides for control of three mosquito species providing information for effective mosquito control. Studies of insect-plant interactions have elucidated how aquatic insects, especially mosquito immatures, utilize phytotelmata and the chemical adaptations of insect herbivores and pollinators of cycads, including species endangered in Florida. A retrospective summary of genetic control experiments conducted in the 1970s at the Kenya coast was presented in an invited forum in Holland on the Ecology of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes. The progress of studies on the effect of Neotropical deforestation on arbovirus ecology was evaluated during a trip to Iquitos, Peru. A new NIH project "Vector heterogeneity and malaria in Brazil" was established. Research results of several projects at the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory were reported to the Florida Mosquito Control Association, the American Mosquito Control association, the Entomology Society of America, the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, and several Florida Mosquito Control Districts.

Impacts
This project provides essential knowledge required by mosquito control and public health agencies to control arthropod vectors of diseases involving source reduction, biological control, survey methodology, arthropod-borne disease epidemiology and surveillance, in the state of Florida, the U. S. and the world. Information on arthropod vectors of disease is provided to ensure arthropod and disease control is effective efficient and environmentally proper.

Publications

Bram, R.A., J.E. George, R.E. Reichard, and W.J. Tabachnick. 2002. Threat of foreign arthropod-borne pathogens to livestock in the United States. J. Med. Entomol., 39: 405-416.
Lord, C.C. and W.J. Tabachnick. 2002. The influence of non-systemic transmission on the epidemiology of insect borne arboviruses: a case study of vesicular stomatitis epidemiology in the western U. S. J. Med. Entomol., 39: 417-426.
Lounibos, L.P. 2002,in press. Genetic control trials and the ecology of Aedes aegypti at the Kenya coast. In (W. Takken & T. Scott, eds.) Ecology of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes, Frontis, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Nayar, J. K. and A. Ali. 2002. Comparative efficacy of VectoBacr WDG (water dispersible granules) and Abater 1 G against three species of Florida mosquitoes under simulated field conditions. World Health Organization report.
Schneider, D., M. Wink, F. Sporer and P. Lounibos. 2002. Cycads: their evolution, toxins, herbivores and insect pollinators. Naturwiss. 89: 281-294.
Tabachnick, W. J. 2002. Florida's mosquito control research program: Scant resources and missed opportunities. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 2(1): 7-8.
Tabachnick, W. J. 2002. West Nile virus Detection: The details are important. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 2(2): 7. Tabachnick, W. J. 2002. Insecticide rates of application and public protection. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 2(3) 9-10.
Tabachnick, W. J. 2002. My 15 minutes of fame: Repellent research and the media. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 2(4): 9.
Tabachnick, W. J. 2002. West Nile virus in North America: Sorting through four years of myths. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 2(5):13-14.
Tabachnick, W. J. 2002. 2002 FMCA Fall Meeting. Buzzwords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Assoc. 2(6): 10.
Yanoviak, S.P., S. Weaver, L.P. Lounibos and R.B. Tesh. 2002. Mosquito diversity and infectious diseases in the Peruvian Amazon. Abstract. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, http://esa.comfex.com/esa/2002.

Progress 10/01/00 to 10/01/01

Outputs
Progress 10/2000 TO 10/2001 There was significant arboviral transmission in Florida during 2001. West Nile (WN) encephalitis and eastern equine encephalitis viruses (EEE) were transmitted to birds, horses and in select regions to humans in many Florida Counties. The risk to humans from these viruses in Florida was continually assessed throughout the summer on a web based Encephalitis Information System that was provided to Florida mosquito control and health professionals. A project, employing a Arbovirus Rapid Deployment Sentinel System (ARDSS), measured the frequency of mosquito transmission of WN virus in Jefferson County, Florida. The ARDSS provided unique information on the ability of mosquitoes to transmit WN virus in a region. Based on this information it was estimated only 1-2 individuals in Jefferson County was likely to have symptoms from WN virus during the summer. DNA molecular markers to evaluate genetic variation were developed for Culex nigripalpus, a Florida mosquito vector of St. Louis encephalitis and WN viruses. Research results of several projects at the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory were reported to the Florida Mosquito Control Association, the American Mosquito Control association, the Entomology Society of America, the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, and several Florida Mosquito Control Districts.

Impacts
This project provides essential knowledge required by mosquito control and public health agencies to control arthropod vectors of diseases involving source reduction, biological control, survey methodology, arthropod-borne disease epidemiology and surveillance, in the state of Florida, the U. S. and the world. Information on arthropod vectors of disease is provided to ensure arthropod and disease control is effective efficient and environmentally proper.

Publications

Schmidtmann, E.T., J.E. Lloyd, R.J. Bobian, R. Kumar, J. W. Waggoner, Jr., W.J. Tabachnick and D. Legg. 2001. Suppression of mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) and black fly (Diptera: Simulidae) blood-feeding from Hereford cattle and Ponies treated with permethrin. J. Med. Entomol. 38:728-734..
Tabachnick, W.J. 2001. A West Nile virus positive bird: WN response by the numbers. BuzzWords Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association: 1 (1): 8-9. Tabachnick, W.J. 2001. Finding West Nile positive birds in Florida: Getting serious. BuzzWords Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association: 1 (2): 6-7.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2001. Florida response levels to West Nile virus detection: Options for mosquito control. BuzzWords Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association: 1 3): 8-9.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2001. Mosquito vector competence tests for West Nile virus: What do they mean for Florida? BuzzWords Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association: 1(4): 9-10.
Tabachnick, W.J. 2001. West Nile in Florida: Getting ready for 2002. BuzzWords Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association: 1(5): 8-9.
Tabachnick, W.J. and J.F. Day. 2001. Sentinel chicken surveillance and West Nile virus in Florida. BuzzWords Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association: 1(6): 9-10.

Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00

Outputs
PROGRESS 10/1999 TO 10/2000 The 1999 and 2000 WN virus outbreaks in the northeast U. S. were monitored for information on dead wild birds, mosquito and sentinel chicken surveillance to evaluate the risk of WN virus to Florida. A web based encephalitis information system was developed that provided professionals and the public with a risk assessment to Florida of arthropod-borne encephalitis viruses. Preliminary studies were intitiated to characterize the biological effects of aerial adultaciding on pest mosquito populations, and to characterize genetic population structure in Florida pest species using DNA molecular markers. Research results of several projects were reported to the Florida Mosquito Control Association, the American Mosquito Control Association, the Entomology Society of America and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Impacts
This project provides essential biological and technical knowledge required by mosquito control agencies to develop integrated pest management programs involving source reduction, biological control, chemical control, survey methodology, arthropod-borne disease epidemiology and surveillance, and disease vector control in fresh water and tideland habitats.

Publications

ABDALLAH, M. A., POLLENZ, R. S., NUNAMAKER, R. A., TABACHNICK, W. J., .....2000. Isolation and characterization of a cDNA clone .....from the biting midge,Culicoides.... Biochem. Genet. 38: 377-390.
TABACHNICK, W. J. 2000. Pharmacological factors in the saliva ....insects:Implications for vesicular stomatitis epidemiology. Ann NY Acad. Sci. (in press).
ELDRIDGE, B. F.,....DAY, J. F. and TABACHNICK, W. J. 2000. Arbovirus diseases. Pp. 415 - 460, In B. F. Eldridge and J. D. Edman, (Eds.), Medical Entomology, Kluwer Academic Publ., Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
TABACHNICK, W. J. 2000. Getting started as the new Director. Feb./Mar. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association.
TABACHNICK, W. J. 2000. Identifying research needs for Florida mosquito control. Apr./May. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association.
TABACHNICK, W. J. 2000. The challenge of West Nile virus to Florida mosquito control. June/Jul. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association.
TABACHNICK, W. J. 2000. Mosquito variability: Did the mosquito do it? Aug./Sept. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association.
TABACHNICK, W. J. and RUTLEDGE, C. R. 2000. Summary: A Fictional Scenario of Arboviral Activity...... June/Jul. BuzzWords, Newsletter of the Florida Mosquito Control Association.

Progress 10/01/95 to 09/30/96

Outputs
The Palm Beach County Health Department reported two cases of Plasmodium vivax malaria on July 23 and 30, 1996. The first case was diagnosed from a homeless male who had slept in an abandon building in urban West Palm Beach adjacent to the second case which was near the Palm Beach International Airport. Both individuals had not been out of the USA. Anopheles quadrimaculatus (Species A) adults were found resting in adjacent buildings. Larvae were breeding in Spirogyra algae mats and dense vegetation in nearby canals and ponds where they appeared to be less exposed to predation from the numerous fish, dragonfly larvae and other predators present. These cases represent only the second and third since the early fifties when malaria was eliminated from Florida. A previous case occurred in 1990 in north Florida.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.

Progress 10/01/94 to 09/30/95

Outputs
Supported by a grant from the Florida Advisory Council on Environmental Education, an environmental education program attempted to develop an understanding, appreciation, and stewardship ethic for the Indian River Lagoon and its associated habitats of sea grasses, salt marsh, mangrove swamp, coastal oak hammock, scrubby pine flatwoods, and xeric scrub. The goals of the project were to: 1) teach ninth and ten grade students to appreciate and differentiate between the diverse habitats of the Indian River Lagoon, 2) provide teachers with the knowledge and tools require to teach their future students about the Indian River Lagoon and its associated habitats, 3) develop a community-wide land stewardship ethic, and 4) to increase community awareness of and to diminish the individual actions which negatively impact the lagoon. The project developed and provided: 1) a teachers' guide 2) a student workbook, 3) 2 days of ecosystem explorations for sixteen classes and 4) four community land stewardship plantings.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

LINLEY, J.R., H. H.YAPP, and T. B. DAMAR. 1995. The eggs of four species of the Anopheles Hyrcanus Group in Malaysia (Diptera:). Mosquito Systematics 27:43-71.
STEPHENS, F.C. 1995. Variability of spectral absorption efficiency within living cells of Pyrocystis lunula (Dinophyta). Marine Biology 122: 325-331.
LOUNIBOS, L.P. 1995. Obituary John R. Linley 1938-1994. J. Am. Mosq. Control Assoc. 11:244-245.
HOWARD, J.J., M.A. GRAYSON, D.J. WHITE and C.D. MORRIS (1994). 1995. Eastern equine encephalitis in New York. J. Fla Mosq. Control Assoc. 65:1-7.

Progress 10/01/93 to 09/30/94

Outputs
Paper was published in describing search behavior associated with egg cannibalism in Toxorhynchites species. The feeding behavior adn the activity of Culicoides larvae as related to light and nutritional state were reported.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

LINLEY, J.R. AND DARLING, K. 1993. Search behavior associated with egg cannibalism in Toxorhynchites amboinensis and Toxorhynchites rutilus rutilus (Diptera: Culicidae). J. Med. Ent. 30: 561-570.
AUSSEL, J-P. AND LINLEY, J.R. 1993. Activity of Culicoides furens larvae (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) as related to light and nutritional state. J. Med. Ent. 30: 878-882.
BRAVERMAN, Y. AND LINLEY, J.R. 1993. Effect of light trap height on catch of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Israel. J. Med. Ent. 30: 1060-1063.
AUSSEL, J-P. AND LINLEY, J.R. 1994. Natural food and feeding behavior of Culicoides larvae (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). J. Med. Ent. 31: 198-214.

Progress 10/01/92 to 09/30/93

Outputs
A wetlands restoration project was undertaken in an impounded and isolated mangrove marsh in Martin County Florida. The major objective was to re-establish a tidal connection between the impounded marsh and the Indian River Lagoon. Four 76.2-cm diameter culverts with flapgate risers were installed through the perimeter ditch of the impoundment during early April, 1992. Flapgate overflow levels were set at 0.564m NGVD until the culverts were opened in October, 1992. Water quality, zooplankton, fish populations, pore water sulfide, and seagrasses in the adjoining lagoon were monitored before and after culvert installation with the help of a citizen volunteer team.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

CARLSON, D. B., P. D. O'BRYAN and J. R. REY. 1992. Multipurpose management of Florida Mosquito Control Impoundments, pp. 163-171 in Jennings, D. P. (ed.), Proceedings Coastal Nongame Workshop. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ft. Collins,.
REY, J. R., T. KAIN and D. E. DEFREESE. 1992. Observations on the feeding behavior and local distribution of Vallentinia gabriellae (Hydrozoa: Olindiidae): A new record from mangrove wetlands of the Indian River Lagoon, Florida.

Progress 10/01/91 to 09/30/92

Outputs
Dr. Linley continued to describe the fine structure of mosquito eggs as seen by the scanning electron microscope. Dr. Borovsky continued research on the Trypsin Modulating Oostatic Factor (TMOF) in mosquitoes and sandflies. Drs. Morris and Baker continued to provide educational tools for mosquito control personnel by expanding H. T. Evans' Florida Mosquito Control Handbook to include computer based tutorials, and by writing brief fact sheets and technical bulletins.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

BOROVSKY, D., CARLSON, D.A. and UJVARY, I. 1992. In vivo and in vitro biosynthesis and metabolism of methyl farnesoate juvenile hormone III and juvenile hormone III acid in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. J. Med. Ent. 29 (4): 619-629.
BOROVSKY, D., POWELL, C.A. and CARLSON, D.A. 1992. Development of specific RIA and ELISA to study trypsin modulating oostatic factor in mosquitoes. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 21 (1): 13-21.
HRIBAR, L. J. 1992. Tabanus wilsoni Pechuman a new host for gregarines. J. Fla. Mosq. Control Assoc. 63 (1): 58-59.
JORDAN, S. 1992. Cues for oviposition site selection by Toxorhynchites amboinensis (Diptera: Culicidae). J. Med. Ent. 29 (1): 37-40.
LINLEY, J. R. 1992. The eggs of Anopheles atropos and Aedes darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae). Mosquito Systematics. 24 (1): 40-50.
LINLEY, J. R., GEARY, M. J. and RUSSELL, R. C. 1992. The eggs of Aedes australis and Aedes camptorhynchus (Diptera: Culicidae). Mosquito Systematics 24 (1): 29-39.

Progress 10/01/90 to 09/30/91

Outputs
A project supported by Florida DHRS, intended to help solve the educational and information needs of Florida's mosquito control districts and the people they serve, was continued. As educational tools for mosquito control personnel, an expanded and updated H. T. Evans' Florida Mosquito Control Handbook, two new videos on calibration of ground and aerial larviciding equipment, six computer based tutorials, and detailed "how-to" technical bulletins on collecting mosquito eggshells from soil and remote larviciding nozzles (a video) were provided. As education for the public, brief fact sheets were provided. And as a general communications service for the entire mosquito control community the FMEL/HRS/FMCA Bulletin Board System was expanded and maintained. All products are available to Florida mosquito control programs, benefiting district directors and local taxpayers by reducing in-house development of similar materials, by providing a high level of documented professional training, and by better public education. Dr. Linley continued to describe the fine structure of mosquito eggs as seen by the scanning electron microscope and describe the distribution Culicoides species of on water lettuce.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

LINLEY, J.R., GEARY, M.J. and RUSSELL, R.C. 1991. The eggs of Aedes funereus, Aedes notoscriptus and Aedes alternans (Diptera: Culicidae). Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 93 (3): 592-612.
LINLEY, J.R., LOUNIBOS, L.P. and LINLEY, P.A. 1990. Fine structure of the eggs of Trichoprosopon digitatum (Diptera: Culicidae) and its relationship to egg raft formation. J. Med. Entomol. 27(4):578-585.
MAGNON, G.J., HAGAN. D.V., KLINE, D.L. and LINLEY, J.R. 1990. Habitat characteristics and phenology of larval Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from a coastal Georgia salt marsh. Environ. Entomol. 19(4):1070-1074.
CHAN, K.L. and LINLEY, J.R. 1990. The distribution of immature Atrichopogon wirthi (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) on leaves of the water lettuce Pistia stratiotes. Environ. Entomol. 19(2):286-292.
LINLEY, J.R. 1990. Scanning electron microscopy of the eggs of Aedes vexans and Aedes infirmatus (Diptera: Culicidae). Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 92: 685-693.
CHAN, K.L. and LINLEY, J.R. 1991. Distribution of immature Dasyhelea chani (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) on leaves of Pistia stratiotes. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 84(1):61-66.
LINLEY, J.R. and CHADEE, D.D. 1991. The eggs of Haemagogus equinus and Hg. janthinomys (Diptera: Culicidae). J. Med. Entomol. 28(3):434-445.

Progress 10/01/89 to 09/30/90

Outputs
A video tape tutorial of procedures for collection and analyses of ULV spray particles was produced to assist individuals who operate ULV adulticide application equipment and must periodically do particle size checks. It demonstrates how to collect the droplets, how to use a microscope to determine the droplet size, and how to analyze the data. A computer based tutorial with automated testing and recordkeeping to teach pesticide safety was produced. This tutorial immediately informs the student of any deficiencies and provides immediate feedback for both right and wrong reponses to true/false, multiple choice, and fill-in-the-blank questions. A mosquito control computer bulletin board system (BBS) to disseminate and exchange information among mosquito control agencies is being maintained. Five mosquito control fact sheets on Eastern encephalitis, human malaria, St. Louis encephalitis, dog heartworm, and biting midges which can be customized for individual districts with their name and logo were produced and are available for distribution. Two technical bulletins concerning mosquitoes associated with wastewater and determining ULV droplet size using a computer video for mosquito control districts were produced. The Florida Mosquito Control Handbook is being revised which also includes new chapters.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

LINLEY, J.R. 1989. Egg cannibalism in Toxorhynchites r. rutilus. J. Fla. Anti-Mosquito Assoc. 60 (1): 21-22.
LINLEY, J.R. 1989. Laboratory tests of the effects of p-crsol and 4-methyl-cyclohexanol on oviposition by three species of Toxorhynchites mosquitoes. Med. Vet. Ent. 3:347-352.
LINLEY, J.R. 1989. Comparative fine structure of the eggs of Aedes Albopictus, Ae. aegypti and Ae. bahamensis (Diptera: Culicidae). J. Med. Ent. 26(6):510-521.
LINLEY, J.R. and SEABURY, F. 1990. The egg of Toxorhynchites splendens described and compared with the egg of Toxorhynchites amboinensis (Diptera:Culicidae) and its relationship to egg raft formation. J. Med. Ent. 27(1):9-13.
LINLEY, J.R. 1990. The predatory behavior of Toxorhynchites amboinensis and Tx. brevipalpis larvae (Diptera:Culicidae) in response to subsurface prey. Fla. Ent. 73:9-51.
WIRTH, W.W. and LINLEY, J.R. 1990. Description of Dasyhelea chani new species (Diptera:Ceratopogonidae) from leaves of the water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) in Florida. Florida Entomologist 73 (2):274-279.
LINLEY, J.R. 1990. Fine structure of the eggs of Psorophora columbiae, Ps. cingulata and Ps. ferox (Diptera:Culicidae). Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash. 92(3):497-511.

Progress 10/01/88 to 09/30/89

Outputs
In collaboration with Entomology Services, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS), and the Florida Anti-Mosquito Association, an electronic Bulletin Board Service (BBS) has been estblished for the primary purpose of rapidly disseminating and exchanging information to and from individuals and mosquito control agencies in Florida. The BBS includes news and notes, calendar of events, various newsletters, bulletins, HRS memoranda, state and national directories, job service, and other features including the opportunity to ask questions or give statements or answers to problems. Also, video and computer based tutorials, fact sheets, and technical bulletins are being prepared for mosuito control agencies. In addition, Dr. Linley continued to describe the morphology of mosquito eggs by the scanning electron microscopy of a number of species. He also continued studies on oviposition behavior, predatory behavior and egg cannibalism in Toxorhynchites.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

GRASER, E.A. and ALLEN, L.H., JR. 1988. Water management for citrus production in the Florida Flatwoods. Proc. Fla. State Horticultural Society. 100: 126-136.
LINLEY, J.R. 1989. Eggs of Mansonia dyari described and comopared with the egg of Mansonia titillans. J. Med. Ent. 26: 41-51.
LINLEY, J.R. 1988. Laboratory experiments on factors affecting oviposition behavior of Culex nigripalpus (Diptera: Culicidae) with a report on the occurrence of egg cannibalism. Med. Vet. Ent. 2: 272-277.
BRAVERMAN, Y. and LINLEY, J.R. 1988 Parity and voltinism of several Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Israel as determined by two trapping methods). J. Med. Ent. 25 (2): 121-126.
LINLEY, J.R. 1988. Note on ctitical-point drying of mosquito eggs for scanning electron microscopy. (Scientific Note) J. Med. Ent. 25: 301-302.
CHAN, K.L. and LINLEY, J.R. 1988. Description of Trichopogon wirthi new species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from leaves of the water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) in Florida. Fla. Ent. 71: 186-201.
GRASER, E.A. and ALLEN, L.H., JR. 1988. Water relations of 7-year-old, containerized citrus trees under drought and flooding stress. Soil and Crop Sci. Soc. Fla. Proc. 47: 165-174.
LINLEY, J.R. 1989. Scanning electron microscopy of the eggs of Toxorhynchites rutilus rutilus and Tx. amboinensis (Diptera: Culicidae). J. Med. Ent. 26:1-9.