Extend Surveillance for West Nile Virus in Kern County, CA

Recipient Organization
UNIV OF CALIFORNIA (VET-MED)
(N/A)
DAVIS,CA 95616

Performing Department
Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology

Non Technical Summary
The Center for Vector-borne Diseases has conducted research on the ecology and control of arboviruses and the mosquitoes that transmit them in collaboration with the district. Current studies being undertaken by the Center track West Nile virus in rural and urban bird and mosquito populations to resolve factors leading to recent outbreaks in the metropolitan area. The West Nile virus continues to pose a threat to the health and safety of the residents of the District.

Animal Health Component

50%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

50%

Applied

50%

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
721	3110	1110	100%

Knowledge Area
721 - Insects and Other Pests Affecting Humans;

Subject Of Investigation
3110 - Insects;

Field Of Science
1110 - Parasitology;

Keywords

Goals / Objectives
Focus of this research has been on the ecology and control of arboviruses and the mosquitoes that transmit them. Current studies track West Nile virus in rural and urban bird and mosquito populations to resolve factors leading to recent outbreaks centered in Bakersfield.

Project Methods
Mosquito colonies are used for research at Davis, sentinels for spray evaluation and educational purposes. Mosquito sampling -dry ice baited traps on the West and East side of the San Joaquin Valley are operated and processed biweekly. Data are entered into the Surveillance Gateway. Seroprevalence -Wild birds (mostly house finches and house sparrows) are sampled weekly by grain-baited traps, bled, banded and released to monitor 'herd immunity' levels. Data are maintained through databases and BandManager. Reports are provided to USGS as required. Red boxes - blood fed mosquitoes are collected in walk-in red boxes and saved for host identification.

Progress 07/01/08 to 06/30/13

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Extend mosquito and arbovirus surveillance in Kern County. Background: The University of California, first at the School of Public Health at Berkeley and now at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Davis, has conducted research in collaboration with the Kern MVCD for well over 60 years and maintained the Arbovirus Field Station at the Kern MVCD since 1978. The focus of this research has been on the ecology and control of arboviruses and the mosquitoes that transmit them. Current studies track West Nile virus in rural and urban bird and mosquito populations to resolve factors leading to recent outbreaks centered in Bakersfield. The Arbovirus Field Station is not an official University of California field station, has no core budget, and therefore all personnel, supplies and equipment have to be supported by extramural grants from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and NASA. Despite repeated submissions, renewal funds from the NIH have not been obtained and have expired effective 31 Dec 07. Bridge funds from UC Davis [$40,000] and reduction in staff due to retirement [VM Martinez], transfer [WK Reisen] and layoff [S Hallam] have allowed the Station to remain operational through 30 Jun 08. The current contract with the Kern MVCD will allow the Station to remain operational during FY 2008-09 as further attempts are made to secure extramural support. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
In collaboration with the Kern MVCD staff, the following activities will be done at the Station: 1. Mosquito colonies. The following colonies of mosquitoes are maintained: Cx. tarsalis [Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Yolo County], Cx. stigmatosoma [Chino], Cx. quinquefasciatus [Bakersfield], Aedes dorsalis [Ft Baker], Aedes aegypti [Thailand]. These are used for research at Davis, sentinels for spray evaluation and educational purposes. 2. Mosquito sampling. Dry ice baited traps on the West and East side of the San Joaquin Valley are operated and processed biweekly. Data are entered into the Surveillance Gateway. 3. Seroprevalence. Wild birds [mostly House finches and House sparrows] are sampled weekly by grain-baited traps, bled, banded and released to monitor herd immunity levels. Data are maintained through databases and BandManager. Reports are provided to USGS as required. 4. Red boxes. Blood fed mosquitoes are collected in walk-in red boxes and saved for host identification.

Publications

No publications reported this period