ARS | Publication request: Climate Change: Potential Affect on Pesticide Application for Vector Control

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 15, 2008
Publication Date: March 2, 2008
Citation: Linthicum, K., Anyamba, A., Britch, S.C., Tucker, C.J., Small, J., Pak, E. 2008. Climate Change: Potential Affect on Pesticide Application for Vector Control. Meeting Abstract. pg. 23

Technical Abstract: Global climate change has and will in the future contribute to the global burden of vector-borne disease by affecting the spatial and tempral distribution of disease. These changes in disease distributions are a direct result of altering the ecology of immature and adult habitats of insect vectors. The control of vector-borne disease is almost solely dependent upon vector control which is conducted using the principles of Integrated Vector Management (IVM). IVM is dependent upon accurate knowledge of the envionmental and ecological conditions associated with the targeted species, and the appropriate use of control tools, including pesticides. Climate also directly affects pesticide applications including: longevity, drift and deposition, and ultimately efficacy. We discuss how increases in temperature and changes in rainfall patterns can increase mosquito populations and vector capacity, and reduce efficacy of pesticide applications. Advanced understanding of climate change will permit the design of optimal pesticide application strategies to effectively control vectors.