Podcasts about vector control

The next Mosquito Fish Giveaway happens on Thursday, June 13th at the Rood Center in Nevada City. You can find out more by contacting Vector Control: (530) 265-1500.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs usually records high vector presence, like mosquito and rats during the rainy season and by extension an increase in vector borne diseases. As a result, Vector Awareness Week is being observed annually to create that understanding among the populace for the importance of eradicating or minimizing the presence of such vectors in the environment. Vector Awareness Week which was launched on June 21, 2023 under the theme “Vectors be Gone, Better St. Lucia come along”, has numerous activities to engage the public and build capacity for reducing vector presence. The Environmental Health Division through the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs therefore invites you to a community fair in observance of Vector Awareness Week. The fair will be held on Friday July 28 at the Soufriere Bus Terminal from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Representatives from various departments will be present to engage residents on Water Safety, Food Safety and Vector Control. There will also be blood pressure checks and entertainment inclusive of live performances and jazzercise, for those wishing to burn some calories. We are inviting all members of the community to bring their family along to participate and win prizes.

After learning about mosquitoes with Dean Sharp last week, we went out and grabbed Steven Vetrone, who is the Director of Scientific-Technical Services at the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District. He joins Jennifer Jones Lee on this Wednesday morning Wake Up Call to provide advice on how best to avoid those pesky mosquito bites as California remains in overwhelm from the storms that brought the Golden State out of its drought.

Gerard Brown, Program Manager of Rodent and Vector Control at the DC Department of Health, joined WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" radio program on Wednesday to discuss why D.C. rat complaints are skyrocketing in 2022.  WASHINGTON POST: Why D.C. rat complaints are skyrocketing in 2022.  D.C.'s great rat migration — and how they survived during the pandemic https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/interactive/2022/dc-rats-thrive-pandemic/ DC Health - Rodent Control website: https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/rodent-and-vector-control-division For more coverage on the issues that matter to you, visit www.WMAL.com, download the WMAL app or tune in live on WMAL-FM 105.9 FM from 5-9 AM ET. To join the conversation, check us out on Twitter: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor,  @Jgunlock,  @patricepinkfile and @heatherhunterdc.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The use of bed nets and spraying indoor insecticides are key vector control measures in the fight against malaria - but they won't last forever. Transcript The use of bed nets and spraying indoor insecticides are key vector control measures in the fight against malaria. Many malaria-endemic countries, like Uganda, have government schemes to recurringly roll out these interventions. The use of those tools results in a dramatic reduction in malaria transmission: up to 84% fewer cases. But over time, as those tools are rolled out again and again, the impact goes down, ultimately leading to a resurgence. In five regions of North Eastern Uganda, although bed nets and indoor residual spraying were initially effective, seven years after they started to be rolled out, cases went up by 39% compared to the pre-programme baseline. This highlights the importance of surveillance of malaria on the ground. But also the age-old fact that one tool for malaria is never enough. The toolbox always needs to be updated. Source Resurgence of malaria in Uganda despite sustained indoor residual spraying and repeated long lasting insecticidal net distributions About The Podcast The Johns Hopkins Malaria Minute podcast is produced by the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute to highlight impactful malaria research and to share it with the global community.

Ben Prather, Vector Control in Cass County, is on Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness tell us if mosquito numbers are down and how they plan to combat them this summer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that mosquitoes can breed in just a single capful of water? More than 100 mosquitoes can come from a cup and more than 1 million can come from a pool!Mosquitoes aren't just an annoyance - they are a public health issue. Locally, mosquitos are responsible for several cases of West Nile Virus per year.Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control, established in 1919, has been working for more than 100 years to build awareness on the dangers of mosquitoes and other insects that can spread disease. In this episode of The City of Redding Podcast, Katie and Steve speak with Peter Bonkrude, District Manager with Shasta Mosquito & Vector Control District. He'll tell us about the more than 26 species of mosquitoes in the area and why six of them are of particular concern. You'll get an introduction to the Aedes Agypti, an invasive species of mosquito that is raising concern about the kinds of diseases that could become an issue in the United States.Peter highlights why conserving water could help keep the mosquitos at bay and shares some helpful tips to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the harmful diseases they can carry. Follow the 4 D's:  Drain: Be sure to drain all standing water.Defend: Defend yourself against mosquitoes by using EPA-approved repellent.Dress: in long sleeves or pants when mosquitoes are present.Dusk & Dawn: avoid outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.For more information on how to stay safe, visit www.shastamosquito.org.

Dog Poop Attracts RodentsPicking up after your dog is important, but what is the best way to do it? Cleaning up your dog's poop and putting it in your trash bin is a good start, but it isn't even the best solution. It is important to dispose of dog waste the proper way, as it can bring lots of harm. Dog poop isn't just bad for your lawn, it also attracts some unwanted guests. While flies come to the minds of many, not many people realize that rats are attracted to dog poop. If your pet's waste isn't disposed of properly, rodents may begin appearing.Dog Poop Isn't FertilizerFirst, let's address how dog poop is bad for your lawn. The experts at Vetstreet.com explain that the intense levels of nitrogen in your dog's urine and poop can cause your yard to die. It's too much for your grass to handle, which is why cleaning up your pet's poop as soon as possible is very important to both your lawn's health and yours. Not only does dog poop contain harmful bacteria, but it can leave behind a residue that can linger in the soil for years, causing harm to the environment. Furthermore, any waste that is washed away by rain, sprinklers, or other means may affect drinking water and shellfish.Rodents Can Come CrawlingNot only does dog poop in your yard affect your lawn and your health, but it brings unwanted rodents to your property. Yes, rats and mice eat your dog's poop. According to Chewy, dog poop is a primary food source for rats and mice. If that isn't bad enough, it's also important to remember that rats and mice can find their way into just about anything. Therefore, your trash bins aren't safe from rodents, either. According to Vector Control, garbage exposed to rodents causes the population of rats to grow which means an increase of harmful diseases and bacteria, bringing danger to the community.Keep Pests AwaySince dog poop seems to be harmful no matter where it is and it attracts rodents, what is the best way to dispose of your dog's poop? Cleaning up your pet's waste, disposing of your trash immediately and keeping dog poop in a garbage can that is rodent proof are possible solutions to the problem at hand. If that seems like a lot of work to go through to keep you and your family safe, then consider a well trained, professional, and affordable dog poop clean up service like POOP 911. We not only remove the filthy dog poop in your yard, but we'll sanitize your yard with pet-friendly products, so you know you're doing your part to keep your dog and the environment safe. Furthermore, by having POOP 911 clean up your dog's poop, rodents won't get to it, either. Here at POOP 911, we like to keep you informed, and we love helping pet owners keep their yards clean, safe, and rodent free. Look no further than POOP 911 for all your dog poop facts and clean up needs.

Whether you've already purchased an electric motor or are still in the planning stage, familiarizing yourself with the different electric motor controls can help you maximize the productivity and efficiency of your operation while extending the service life of your motor, electronics, and all the mechanical assets connected to your motor. Motor control is any switch or device used to start, stop, or control the speed of an electric motor. Because each application has unique objectives and operating parameters, it is often necessary to control the motor's speed and protect it from a variety of risks specific to your usage. To select the right control for your application, the first step is to take a look at what you need the motor to do, and then select the motor control that gives you the capabilities you require. Soft Starters If your motor will be started under substantial load, especially if it occurs frequently, there is a high risk of damage from the electrical and mechanical shock that occurs when full power is applied to a motor at standstill. Depending on the load, a motor may experience a current surge up to five times the rated level at start-up, which can damage sensitive electronics and overheat the motor windings, drastically reducing its service life. This current surge also makes the motor accelerate suddenly, causing mechanical shock that can damage the motor bearings, gearbox and driven load. Over time, this will greatly increase maintenance, operational downtime, and parts replacement costs. It is highly recommended to install a soft starter to safely manage your motor's start-up process if your motor is started under a substantial load. The soft starter ramps up the power to the motor slowly, alleviating current surges and preventing overheating in the windings. This means that your motor will accelerate slowly and smoothly, protecting the motor, gearbox and load. You can also customize the soft starter's start-up parameters, including the time it takes to reach full speed, to suit your project needs. When your electric motor is required to run at full speed all the time, a soft starter may be sufficient. However, to precisely control and manage your motor's speed during all phases of operation and respond to changes in operational conditions, speed control is necessary. Speed Controls Speed controls enable your electric motor's speed to be continuously adjusted to meet the requirements of your operation, giving you the ability to maximize efficiency and performance at all times. Speed controls can replace soft starters to safely bring an electric motor up to speed, maintain a specific speed or adjust to changing circumstances. They are often capable of providing dynamic braking, which is useful for quickly and smoothly bringing a heavy load to a stop. AC and DC speed controls operate on different principles, but they are designed to achieve the same result. AC motor speed controls are commonly divided into two categories: Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and Vector Controls, also known as Field Oriented Controls (FOC). VFDs manage the speed of the motor by modifying the frequency of the power supply and are the most common and cost-effective way to control the speed of an AC motor. However, they lose precision at lower speeds and are unable to create holding torque in a motor. Vector Control drives enable the speed of an AC motor to be precisely controlled over the entire speed range, even giving a motor capability to provide full torque at zero speed (holding torque). They achieve this by managing the motor's speed and torque separately, using a sophisticated control algorithm to produce the desired output. This enables servo-like control of an AC motor, a capability that was previously only available with DC motors. Vector Control drives are generally more expensive than VFDs, but their precise speed-control capability is essential for many finely-tuned, responsive electric motor applications. A special Vector Duty or Servo motor is needed for this type of drive. DC motor speed control is much simpler, as it only requires management of the input voltage, which is usually achieved using a PWM voltage regulator. DC speed controls also provide good precision over the entire speed range of the motor. Magnetic Starters A magnetic starter is a device that enables an electric motor to be started and stopped safely, especially when operating a heavy load. Magnetic starters offer controls for the operator and safety protections to prevent damage to the motor in case of overload. Magnetic starters consist of an electromagnetic contactor or switch and a thermal overload relay. The relay is usually closed manually by the operator pushing the start button. It is then held in a closed position by an electromagnetic force that can be automatically cut off when a hazardous situation is detected. The relay opens when excessive current passes through or overheating occurs, opening the switch and cutting off power to the motor to protect it from damage. If you start your motor with a heavy load, or it experiences intermittent high load during operation, it is recommended to use a magnetic starter to protect your motor from damaging surge currents. Summary Selecting the right motor controls gives you the capability to fine-tune the productivity of your application and protect valuable assets from electrical and mechanical damage. Here at eMotors Direct, we offer a comprehensive range of electric motors, gearboxes, and motor controls, giving you the components you need to build a complete package that meets all your performance objectives.

Our guests Charles Mbogo from KEMRI and Hmooda Toto Kafy from the Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum discuss integrated vector management (IVM) and the role that communities play in this approach to vector control. Highlights from the discussion include:  Insights into how IVM strategies have been implemented to in Sudan and Kenya to control a variety of diseases including malaria, dengue and lymphatic filariasis  The role of intersectoral collaboration between sectors including health, agriculture, environment, education, and community groups  How sustainability can be achieved when community empowerment and capacity building are prioritized, and adequate technical and logistical support is provided  Dr. Hmooda Toto Kafy, MSc, PhD  Vector Control consultant/ Advisor, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum - Sudan Medical entomologist and Vector control specialist with a BSc in Public and Environmental Health from University of Khartoum 1999, MSc in Biology and Control of Disease Vectors from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine United Kingdom 2008 and a PhD in Medical Entomology from university Sains Malaysia 2019 by research titled: Impact of Insecticide Resistance in Anopheles arabiensis on effectiveness of malaria vector control in Sudan. since 2020, 2013 – 2019 headed integrated vector management department, FMoH, 2009 - 2015  Project officer of trial titled (Impact of Insecticide Resistance in   Anopheles arabiensis on effectiveness of malaria vector control in Sudan supported by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation).  2009 – 2012 Head of Integrated Vector Management Unit and Deputy Manager of  National Malaria Control Programme FMoH, 2004 – 2007 head of Integrated Vector Management Unit- NMCP FMOH, 2001 – 2003 head of Vector Control Unit – NMCP FMOH and 1999 – 2001 Field supervisors, Malaria Control Programme, SMoH –Khartoum state. Since 20th May 2020 Hmooda is a Technical Support Senior Specialist; Country & Regional Support Partner Committee (CRSPC)-RBM Partnership to End Malaria, Home based with significant travel duties. Hmooda during 2000 – 2017 participated in many consultation works with WHO – EMRO and WHO – HQ such as development of vector control guidelines. Hmooda Toto Kafy published 18 papers in the subject of medical entomology and vector control in peer review journals.  Prof Charles Mbogo Chief Research Scientist, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) I am a Chief Research Scientist and a public health entomologist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute. I have an interest in developing and strengthening research capacity and scientific leadership in Africa and have supervised over 20 research fellows and doctoral students.  I am currently the President of Pan African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA) where I am involved in supporting the development of a new platform for the capacity building of African entomologists. My research interests include the ecology and behaviour, and transmission dynamics of mosquitoes and other disease vectors, and development of new vector control tools. I have worked on the large-scale evaluation of insecticide-treated bednets, insecticide resistance, and integrated vector management (IVM) strategies especially community-based vector control approaches.  http://www.kemri-wellcome.org/ (www.kemri-wellcome.org)  http://www.kemri.org/ (www.kemri.org)  http://www.pamca.org/ (www.pamca.org) 

In this episode we talk to April Monroe and Danielle Piccinini Black from the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs about social and behavioral considerations for vector control and the human-centred design approach. We cover topics including:  What human-centred design is, with an example of how the approach has been applied to improve long-lasting insecticidal net design in Ghana   The importance of empathy and flexibility in conducting research that puts affected communities first  How strong, equitable relationships with communities can help to mitigate ethical challenges that often accompany traditional research approaches April Monroe, PhD | Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs April Monroe has over a decade of experience in global health, focusing on malaria research, program implementation, and policy. Her work aims to increase the impact of malaria interventions by learning from and engaging with people most affected by the disease. This includes understanding challenges to and motivations for malaria prevention and treatment practices and how gaps in protection arise. It also includes engaging stakeholders at all levels to help ensure new malaria control approaches respond to peoples' needs and lifestyles and are rooted within systems that support long-term success. April earned a PhD in Epidemiology and Public Health from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, an MSPH degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with a focus in Social and Behavioral Interventions, and a certificate in Innovation and Human Centered Design from the Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School.   Social Media  https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-monroe-b60509134/ (LinkedIn)  Twitter: @AprilCMonroe  Related Blog Posts/Media  https://ccp.jhu.edu/2019/12/16/rethinking-mosquito-net-use-in-ghana-malaria-journal/ (Rethinking Mosquito Net Use in Ghana)  https://ccp.jhu.edu/2019/02/11/malaria-mosquito-repellent/ (CCP to Help Evaluate New Spatial Repellent for Mosquitoes)  https://ccp.jhu.edu/2019/07/10/zanzibar-malaria-elimination/ (Elimination of Malaria in Zanzibar Remains Elusive Despite Progress)  https://ccp.jhu.edu/2019/01/22/malaria-transmission-research-human-behavior/ (To Halt Malaria, More Research Focused on Human Behavior Needed)  https://ccp.jhu.edu/2018/10/29/beyond-bed-nets-mosquitoes-malaria/ (Beyond Bed Nets: Mosquitoes Don't Just Bite at Bedtime)  Related Peer-Reviewed Publications  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8542269/ (Improving malaria control by understanding human behaviour)  https://malariajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12936-021-03943-4 (Unlocking the human factor to increase effectiveness and sustainability of malaria vector control)  https://malariajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12936-020-03271-z (Methods and indicators for measuring patterns of human exposure to malaria vectors)  https://malariajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12936-019-3051-0 (Understanding the gap between access and use: a qualitative study on barriers and facilitators to insecticide-treated net use in Ghana)  https://malariajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12936-019-2855-2 (Human behaviour and residual malaria transmission in Zanzibar: findings from in-depth interviews and direct observation of community events)  https://malariajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12936-019-2638-9 (Measuring and characterizing night time human behaviour as it relates to residual malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa: a review of the published literature)  Danielle Piccinini Black, MBA, MPH | Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs Danielle Piccinini Black is the Design Innovation Lead at the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, Academic Lead for Innovation and Human-Centered Design

Regardless of the application, you and your team need to depend on your electric motor to operate consistently. Not all industrial applications are the same, but you can determine which motor will be best suited for your job by using this checklist. Consider these six factors when selecting your next industrial motor: 1. Size and Power 2. Reliability 3. Durability 4. Cost-Effectiveness 5. Precision 6. Safety By understanding these characteristics and why they are required, you can select a motor that will offer cost-effective performance over its full-service lifetime. From food processing to chemical manufacturing, this checklist applies. 1. Size and Power Industrial applications often require large, powerful motors capable of delivering high productivity over many hours. In these conditions, an electric motor that isn't adequately sized will quickly deteriorate and wear out, causing downtime and loss of productivity while incurring a replacement cost. When choosing an industrial motor, confirm it's rated for the power required during the most intensive part of its operation, typically during acceleration and peak load times. If the required speed is lower than the motor's base speed, a gearbox solution allows for a smaller, more cost-effective motor operating at a higher efficiency. Industrial motors' duty cycle can be very high, especially when they're the primary component in an operation. Ensure the rated duty cycle of the motor can be operated for its condition, or the motor will experience overheating and shorter service life. 2. Reliability Industrial motors are often utilized in high-use applications that depend on consistent performance and productivity. By selecting industrial motors that are reliable and require minimal maintenance, plants can save on unplanned maintenance costs. The use of brushes in the commutator of a motor can become problematic in these conditions, as the brushes quickly wear down and require periodic replacement that causes significant downtime. Because of this, brushed DC motors can be less reliable and potentially unsuited to high duty-cycle operations. As an alternative, AC induction motors have a simpler, brushless, low-maintenance design that is well suited for intensive industrial use. Please look at our AC & DC Motor Speed Control to learn about the difference in controls for both motors. If a motor requires regular maintenance, ensure it's easy to dismount to reduce the downtime of the application. 3. Durability Motor environments often contain pollutants such as moisture, dust, oil, and corrosive chemicals. To maintain performance, the motor must be able to operate effectively in this environment without becoming damaged. The crucial factor in a motor's durability is its enclosure, which protects the vulnerable windings from encountering harmful pollutants. Open Drip-Proof (ODP) motors should only be used in clean, dry climate-controlled environments, as they provide little protection against airborne contaminants. For highly polluted environments, Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC) motors are a great option, as they prevent the free exchange of air from the interior to the exterior motor body. Washdown duty motors use TEFC enclosure to protect the motor from regular washing. To gauge whether an enclosure provides enough protection, its IP (Ingress Protection) rating should match or exceed the conditions that the motor is subjected to. 4. Cost-Effectiveness In many motor applications, the cost of the motor is not the only consideration. Depending on the job, the costs may include the electric motor, gearbox (if required), and any other peripherals such as speed control, which are required for the motor to perform its function. The AC induction motor is the most cost-effective solution for medium to large applications that do not require precise speed control. If a speed control is required, consider incorporating this as part of your project budget and timeline, as speed controls can be complex to set-up with AC motors. For medium to large applications, the speed controller pricing is usually offset by the savings on the cost of the motor. DC motors are relatively expensive for their complex designs in medium to large applications. Speed control is simpler compared to AC motors, especially for smaller applications. They can effectively compete in terms of the total cost of the motor solution. 5. Precision Many industrial applications such as robotics, actuation, and manufacturing automation require a different kind of motor solution that performs complex tasks consistently at high precision. The two main types of motors used in these applications are stepper motors and servo motors. Stepper motors rotate a fixed amount known as a ‘step,' providing holding torque when that step is reached. This makes them ideal for situations where the motor will rotate a specified amount and then come to a stop, such as in manufacturing and machine tools applications. Servo motors are motor packages with precise speed and torque control capable of precise complex-motion performance. DC motors can be effectively controlled over a wide speed range with a simple circuit, as they dominated the servo motor industry for many years. However, improved AC motor speed controllers, such as Vector Control drives, have made it possible for cost-effective AC motors to provide servo-like precision and holding torque. They are a great option for medium to large applications. 6. Safety Depending on your industry, a higher level of safety may be required for the motor environment. In the chemical and petroleum industry, where the atmosphere is volatile, an explosion-proof motor may be required by law. These motors can contain an internal explosion of a specified substance without igniting the surrounding atmosphere, providing much-needed protection to personnel and infrastructure in the vicinity. In food manufacture and processing, minimizing the risk of pathogens is a high priority. All the equipment, including motors, need to be regularly washed down and thoroughly cleaned. A fully enclosed washdown-duty motor would be ideal for this environment, with the physical exterior using approved paint or a paint-free stainless-steel body. Check out our Electric Motor Safetyarticle for additional tips on maintaining motor safety. Summary Industrial motors often face exceptionally tough operating conditions, and downtime can be very costly for the operating company and those dependent on the productivity of the application. When selecting an industrial motor, it is important to prioritize the key characteristics required for the conditions that it will operate in to ensure it provides long-lasting performance.

Malaria No More envisions a world where no one dies from a mosquito bite. The non-profit is mobilizing the political commitment, funding, and innovation required to achieve what would be one of the greatest humanitarian accomplishments – ending malaria within our generation.

Ben Prather takes a call from It Takes Two with Amy and JJ to discuss the plans for 2021 mosquito control. Considering the dry weather and how mosquito traps are analyzed, Ben provides some great behind-the-scenes insight for KFGO listeners! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Latest Malaria News, in 60 Seconds. Harnessing HMBPP metabolites could support vector control, and researchers examine the role of CDPKs in the egress of sporozoites from the liver. More: www.fightmalaria.uk/MalariaMinute

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.09.06.284679v1?rss=1 Authors: Su, M. P., Georgiades, M., Bagi, J., Kyrou, K., Crisanti, A., Albert, J. Abstract: Background: The release of genetically modified mosquitoes which use gene-drive mechanisms to suppress reproduction in natural populations of Anopheles mosquitoes is one of the scientifically most promising methods for malaria transmission control. However, many scientific, regulatory and ethical questions remain before transgenic mosquitoes can be utilised in the field. Mutations which reduce an individual's reproductive success are likely to create strong selective pressures to evolve resistance. It is thus crucial that the targeted population collapses as rapidly and as completely as possible to reduce the available time for the emergence of drive-resistant mutations. At a behavioural level, this means that the gene-drive carrying mutants should be at least as (and ideally more) sexually attractive than the wildtype population they compete against. A key element in the copulatory negotiations of Anopheles mosquitoes is their acoustic courtship. We therefore analysed sound emissions and acoustic preference in a doublesex mutant previously used to successfully collapse caged colonies of Anopheles gambiae s.l.. Methods: The flight tones produced by the beating of their wings form the signals for acoustic mating communication in Anopheles species. We assessed the acoustic impact of the disruption of a female-specific isoform of the doublesex gene (dsxF) on the wing beat frequency (WBF; measured as flight tone) of both males (XY) and females (XX) in homozygous dsxF- mutants (dsxF-/-), heterozygous dsxF- carriers (dsxF+/-) and G3 'wildtype' dsxF+ controls (dsxF+/+). To exclude non-genetic influences, we controlled for temperature and measured wing lengths for all experimental animals. We used a phonotaxis assay to test the acoustic preferences of mutant and control mosquitoes. Results: A previous study demonstrated an altered phenotype only for females homozygous for the disrupted dsx allele (dsxF-/-), who appear intersex. No phenotypic changes were observed for heterozygous carriers or males, suggesting that the female-specific dsxF allele is haplosufficient. We here identify significant, dose-dependent increases in the flight tones of both dsxF-/- and dsxF+/- females when compared to dsxF+/+ control females. Flight tone frequencies in all three female genotypes remained significantly lower than in males, however. When tested experimentally, males showed stronger phonotactic responses to the flight tones of control dsxF+/+ females. While flight tones from dsxF+/- and dsxF-/- females also elicited positive phonotactic behaviour in males, this was significantly reduced compared to responses to control tones. We found no evidence of phonotactic behaviour in any female genotype tested. None of the male genotypes displayed any deviations from the control condition. Conclusions: A key prerequisite for copulation in anopheline mosquitoes is the phonotactic attraction of males towards female flight tones within large - spatially and acoustically crowded - mating swarms. Reductions in acoustic attractiveness of released mutant lines, as reported here for heterozygous dsxF+/- females, reduce the line's mating efficiency, and could consequently reduce the efficacy of the associated population control effort. Assessments of caged populations may not successfully reproduce the challenges posed by natural mating scenarios. We propose to amend existing testing protocols in order to more faithfully reflect the competitive conditions between a mutant line and the wildtype population it is meant to interact with. This should also include novel tests of 'acoustic fitness'. In line with previous studies, our findings confirm that disruption of the female-specific isoform dsxF has no effect on males; for some phenotypic traits, such as female flight tones, however, the effects of dsxF appear to be dose-dependent rather than haplosufficient. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info

In this week's episode of Podcast from Washington, Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss next week's NACCHO 360 virtual conference. They also discuss NACCHO's latest report on the impact of COVID-19 on local health department immunization programs and the next coronavirus emergency response package in Congress. Later in the program, Ian Goldstein spoke with Director for the City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board Claudia Riegel and NACCHO's Director of Environmental Health Dr. Chelsea Gridley-Smith to discuss NACCHO's vector control during COVID-19 report. Riegel gives a firsthand account of how her team is working to control the mosquito and rodent populations in New Orleans during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

IVCC CEO Dr Nick Hamon and consultants Dr Michael MacDonald & Vasanthan John Paul talk about innovative vector control tools, the market and regulatory landscape for these tools, and the importance of research and development to reduce malaria, dengue, Zika, and other mosquito-borne diseases. For more information visit our website.

On Episode #46, Paul Swearengin and Craig Scharton celebrate their first year co-hosting the Two Guys Talkin’ Fresno. They take a look at what they’ve learned, which shows stick out for them and then look forward to Year Two. Join the Two Guys for another fun one-on-one civil conversation. Paul and Craig are especially honored to have had Terry’s House as our inaugural Title Sponsor. Please learn more about the wonderful service that they provide to families who are dealing with severe health crises.  Please consider a tour, volunteering, cooking a meal for the families, donating books, soaps and shampoo, and of course …money! Join our podcast as an Single Episode Sponsor! Relevant Links and Mentions: Civil War Revisited/Fresno Historical Society Deb And James Fallows Simon Majumdar Dr Joseph Castro-President, Fresno State Clint Olivier Kyland Hall Bryan Medina Aaron Foster Jaime Holt Ryan McNeil - Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control

In this week's episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the latest from Capitol Hill and recent hearings on e-cigarettes, vaccines, and emergency preparedness.    Later in the program, Emily Yox, NACCHO's program analyst for global health, sits down with Dr. Umair Shah, former NACCHO President and Executive Director for Harris County Public Health in Texas, to discuss several health department programs that were inspired by successful global health work. Dr. Shah discusses two interventions specifically around mosquito and vector control that were initially carried out in India, Brazil, and Australia before being adopted by Harris County to align with their specific needs.   

Why do we expect to walk in shorts and a tank top and not get bite by mosquitoes? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yellow jackets are wasps and are not related to bees. Bees live in hives while yellow jackets create nests. Yellow jacket workers typically have black and yellow stripes on a ½ inch long body. They have the ability to sting several times, injecting poisonous venom that causes intense pain, while bees can only sting once because their stinger becomes stuck in the skin of its victim. Find out how to protect yourself from the stings of summer with Cynthia Brian. August is the hottest month of summer and your pets want to have fun in the sun while staying safe and cool. Heather Brittany and Cynthia Brian offer important tips that will enhance the enjoyment for any of your animal friends. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, chickens, pigs, and goats all have different needs. Water, ice, shade, pools, umbrellas, and trees will all be part of the pet play dates.

The bug us. They bite us. Some of them carry a dread disease. Mosquitoes are a fact of summer life that WE can and must actively control.                         Jim Sawyer, Vector Control Supervisor for St. Louis County Department of Public Health, covers the details about mosquito biology, disease concerns, and County mosquito control protocols. Earthworms host Jean Ponzi gets the facts to help us all work together with public health officials to minimize mosquito breeding (dump and prevent standing water!) and to identify sites where mosquito species of concern may be proliferating. Hear how Integrated Pest Management by a local government uses surveillance, conservative and strategic applications of adulticide and larvaecide chemicals, and plenty of public education to protect human health while also protecting beneficial insects. If you are gardening for bees or butterflies, learn how you can opt out of street spraying.                         For specific information about mosquito controls where you live, call you municipality or county government Vector Control office. Resources from St. Louis County, MO, include the basics of citizen-municipal collaboration toward good health for all. Music: Hunters Permit, performed live at KDHX by Mr. Sun THANKS to Andy Heaslet, Earthworms engineer, assisted by Cody Pees. Related Earthworms Conversations: Fight the Bite!  City of St. Louis Mosquito Team (July 2016)

Tommy Lee Jones's character in the movie Men in Black said "There's always an Arquillian Battle Cruiser, or a Corillian Death Ray, or an intergalactic plague that is about to wipe out all life on this miserable little planet..."  Be that as it may, in this episode, we discuss vector control with an important local partner we need to see more of in our planning, training, exercising and EOCs - your friendly neighborhood mosquito and vector control district.

Christmas is just few days away. Many people are still shopping, overspending. And creating financial problems that will last through part of the next year. Let Heather Brittany and Cynthia Brian help you live your holidays dreams without breaking the budget. It's officially winter when suddenly your house may be invaded by uninvited varmints looking for shelter. Cynthia Brian talks with Vector Control for ways to keep the wild things away. Go ahead and ask for seconds of your Christmas feast. The foods we eat are actually really good for you! Dig into the hidden health in this holiday meal. Gardening in December is focused on putting your beds to sleep. It's time to pace yourself and enjoy the peace. Goddess Gardener, Cynthia Brian, sheds light in the darkness.

Norfolk News Now

The West Nile and Zika viruses are on the minds of the public, and people are rightly concerned about their impact. Luckily for Orange County residents, OC Vector Control is ahead of the curve in dealing with the vectors (pests, insects, rodents) that transmit these diseases. In this episode of The City Square, current President of OC Vector and Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Tustin Doctor Allan Bernstein and OC Vector's Director of Communications Jared Dever let us know what they're doing to combat the spread of West Nile and other diseases that could be in your backyard. Tune in to learn what protective measures you can take!

Part 2. UC San Francisco hosted a symposium about the preparedness for the Zika virus on March 7, 2016. The event brought together researchers from UCSF, UC Berkeley, UC Davis and Stanford University as well as public health officials. Topics include epidemiology and prevention, basic science of the Zika virus, vector biology and control, clinical management, and policy. [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 30698]

Part 2. UC San Francisco hosted a symposium about the preparedness for the Zika virus on March 7, 2016. The event brought together researchers from UCSF, UC Berkeley, UC Davis and Stanford University as well as public health officials. Topics include epidemiology and prevention, basic science of the Zika virus, vector biology and control, clinical management, and policy. [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 30698]

Part 1. UC San Francisco hosted a symposium about the preparedness for the Zika virus on March 7, 2016. The event brought together researchers from UCSF, UC Berkeley, UC Davis and Stanford University as well as public health officials. Topics include epidemiology and prevention, basic science of the Zika virus, vector biology and control, clinical management, and policy. [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 30677]

Part 1. UC San Francisco hosted a symposium about the preparedness for the Zika virus on March 7, 2016. The event brought together researchers from UCSF, UC Berkeley, UC Davis and Stanford University as well as public health officials. Topics include epidemiology and prevention, basic science of the Zika virus, vector biology and control, clinical management, and policy. [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 30677]