Project Number: 5430-32000-003-09
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Jun 01, 2012
End Date: Sep 30, 2013

Objective:
The Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit (ABADRU) in Manhattan, Kansas a part of the United States Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service proposes a collaborative research agreement with the North American Deer Farmers Association (NADeFA)to develop an integrated pest management (IPM) system to reduce the putative Culicoides (midges) disease vector populations. Managing midge populations will reduce the chance of both Bluetongue and Epizootic Hemorrhagic disease transmission on the deer farms. The IPM system will consist of a toolbox of methods loosely grouped into three categories 1) Environmental modifications, 2) Insecticides, and 3) Behavioral modifications. Within each of these three categories, tools (methods or materials) will be customized for use on deer farms from existing tools used for the prevention of both animal and human diseases. Additionally, new methods will be developed giving the NADeFA the latest cutting edge techniques for their midge management systems.

Approach:
The USDA and NADeFA will develop a customizable IPM plan run by a post-doctoral researcher that will reduce the disease transmitting midges on the association’s constituent’s farms. The post-doctoral researcher will manage the IPM development and would serve as liaison with your association and the Culicoides disease vector community working group we have established. The post-doctoral research will also develop and test novel products and provide year-to-year continuity and stability to the program. Researchers will also be responsible for interfacing between the association and the world’s leading researchers to create and maintain a tool box of the best available products and methods.