Needs Assessment of Southeastern United States Vector Control Agencies: Capacity Improvement Is Greatly Needed to Prevent the Next Vector-Borne Disease Outbreak

Abstract

A national 2017 vector control capacity survey was conducted to assess the United States’ (U.S.’s) ability to prevent emerging vector-borne disease. Since that survey, the southeastern U.S. has experienced continued autochthonous exotic vector-borne disease transmission and establishment of invasive vector species. To understand the current gaps in control programs and establish a baseline to evaluate future vector control efforts for this vulnerable region, a focused needs assessment survey was conducted in early 2020. The southeastern U.S. region was targeted, as this region has a high probability of novel vector-borne disease introduction. Paper copies delivered in handwritten envelopes and electronic copies of the survey were delivered to 386 unique contacts, and 150 returned surveys were received, corresponding to a 39% response rate. Overall, the survey found vector control programs serving areas with over 100,000 residents and those affiliated with public health departments had more core capabilities compared to smaller programs and those not affiliated with public health departments. Furthermore, the majority of vector control programs in this region do not routinely monitor for pesticide resistance. Taken as a whole, these results suggest that the majority of the southeastern U.S. is vulnerable to vector-borne disease outbreaks. Results from this survey raise attention to the critical need of providing increased resources to bring all vector control programs to a competent level, ensuring that public health is protected from the threat of vector-borne disease.

Geographic Information System Protocol for Mapping Areas Targeted for Mosquito Control in North Carolina

“…Studies have shown the need for continued community and financial support for local MCPs to protect health [26][27][28]. Ideally, local MCPs would be consistently funded to support long-term and well-trained personnel experienced in routine and emergency mosquito control response [27]. Plans should be in place before a disaster occurs to mount an effective response [3,29].…”

The Utility of a Bayesian Predictive Model to Forecast Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus Disease in the United States, 2022

“…The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) published a national Vector Control Assessment in 2020, finding that less than a quarter of mosquito and vector control programs in the US are "fully capable" regarding mosquito surveillance and control capacity (New Report Reveals State of Local Vector Control Capacity in the U.S. -NACCHO, n.d.). Additional regional and state vector control capacity surveys have reported similar results: the majority of mosquito and vector control agencies or programs are not prepared to handle major vector-borne disease outbreaks or are not proactive in various surveillance capabilities, leaving the US vulnerable (Dye-Braumuller et al, 2022;Moise et al, 2020;Peper et al, 2022). This vulnerability, in combination with anthropogenic climate change, urbanization, and international import and export, has set the stage for increased arboviral transmission in the US (Keyel et al, 2021;Wimberly et al, 2020).…”

“…S. - NACCHO , n.d.). Additional regional and state vector control capacity surveys have reported similar results: the majority of mosquito and vector control agencies or programs are not prepared to handle major vector-borne disease outbreaks or are not proactive in various surveillance capabilities, leaving the US vulnerable (Dye-Braumuller et al, 2022; Moise et al, 2020; Peper et al, 2022). This vulnerability, in combination with anthropogenic climate change, urbanization, and international import and export, has set the stage for increased arboviral transmission in the US (Keyel et al, 2021; Wimberly et al, 2020).…”

Geographic information system protocol for mapping areas targeted for mosquito control in North Carolina

“…Studies have shown the need for continued community and financial support for local MCPs to protect health [26][27][28]. Ideally, local MCPs would be consistently funded to support long-term and well-trained personnel experienced in routine and emergency mosquito control response [27]. Plans should be in place before a disaster occurs to mount an effective response [3,29].…”