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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Mosquito and Fly Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #326975
Research Project: Biting Arthropod Surveillance and Control

Location: Mosquito and Fly Research

Title: Program review of the USDA Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology

Author
item Linthicum, Kenneth - Ken

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2016
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The USDA-ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE) has a history that starts in 1932 in Orlando to develop methods to control mosquitoes, including malaria vectors under conditions simulating those of the south Pacific jungles, and other insects affecting man and animals. Currently, CMAVE research is conducted at federal laboratories located adjacent to the University of Florida in 4 research units by 60 scientists and 150 support personnel. Its mission is to achieve control of pest and vector species through the development of environmentally acceptable approaches, and protection of humans and animals from diseases caused by arthropods of medical importance is a high priority. Specialists in molecular biology, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, virology, insect behavior, biology, entomology, vector ecology, botany, geographic information systems an engineering conduct research at the basic level and later evaluate their results in laboratory bioassays and under semi-field conditions. Final studies are conducted at field sites in the U.S. and a number of international locations. Novel efforts targeting Medical and Veterinary vectors will be discussed that focus on (1) discovery of Molecular pesticides, including development of a new class of pesticide based upon RNAi technology; (2) discovery of novel repellents and pesticides; (3) development and field testing of new application strategy techniques that includes personal protection methods, barrier treatments, and ground and aerial adult vector applications; and (4) enhanced control of vectors through disease forecasting based upon ecological understanding of disease transmission and utilization of global/regional and local climate.