Vector Control and Pest Management Flashcards

What is the public health significance of Anopheles mosquitoes in the United States?

Answer: They are the vectors capable of transmitting malaria, though domestic transmission is rare

Anopheles mosquitoes are the vectors of Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria; while locally acquired malaria is rare in the US, Anopheles species are present and can transmit malaria imported by travelers.

What is 'ultra-low volume (ULV)' spraying used for in adult mosquito control programs?

Answer: Dispersing very small droplets of pesticide at low application rates to contact flying adult mosquitoes

ULV spraying disperses extremely fine pesticide droplets (typically 1–50 microns) at very low volume rates so they remain airborne long enough to contact and kill flying adult mosquitoes.

Which tick species is the primary vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the eastern United States?

Answer: Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick)

Dermacentor variabilis, the American dog tick, is the primary vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, in the eastern and central United States.

What is the role of a 'sentinel flock' in an arboviral disease surveillance program?

Answer: Captive chickens regularly bled and tested to detect arboviral activity in an area before human cases occur

Sentinel chicken flocks are maintained at fixed locations and regularly tested for antibodies to arboviruses such as West Nile virus, providing early warning of virus transmission activity in an area.

What personal protective measure is recommended for preventing tick-borne disease during outdoor activities?

Answer: Applying EPA-registered repellents containing DEET or permethrin and conducting tick checks after outdoor activity

EPA-registered repellents containing DEET applied to skin and permethrin applied to clothing, combined with thorough post-activity tick checks and prompt tick removal, are the recommended personal protection measures.

What is 'biological control' in vector management, and provide a primary example used against mosquitoes?

Answer: Using living organisms such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) or Gambusia fish to kill or reduce mosquito populations

Biological control uses living organisms; Bti is a naturally occurring soil bacterium whose toxins kill mosquito larvae, and Gambusia (mosquitofish) consume mosquito larvae in permanent water bodies.