Project Number: 6615-32000-045-21
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jun 30, 2011
End Date: Jun 30, 2012

Objective:
Evaluate selected mosquito species from the U.S. for their ability to serve as potential vectors for RVFV.

Approach:
We will select mosquito species that have the potential to be important vectors of RVFV (i.e., feed readily on large mammals and occur in large numbers) for these studies. Mosquitoes will be captured by a variety of means, but principally by dry ice-baited miniature light traps and shipped overnight to USAMRIID. Upon arrival at USAMRIID, they will be transferred to an Animal Biological Safety Level (ABSL)-3 laboratory. The extent of viral infection in mosquitoes will be determined by assaying a mosquito’s body separately from its legs. In addition to the studies on vector competence, we will also evaluate selected mosquito species for their ability to vertically transmit RVFV.