A programmatic overview of the Gulf South Vector Educational Centers for Training, Outreach, and Resources (VECTOR) Group

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

9:30 AM – 9:42 AM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 221 C, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

SS

Sonja L. Swiger

Professor & Extension Specialist
Texas A&M University
Stephenville, Texas

Co-Author(s)

CR

Claudia Riegel

City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, and Rodent Control Board
New Orleans, Louisiana
Mark Janowiecki, BCE

Research Entomologist
City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, and Rodent Control Board
New Orleans, Louisiana
Janet Ann Hurley, ACE

Texas A&M University
Dallas, Texas

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) have increased in the past two decades at rates beyond what current infrastructure can manage. To protect public health, we must increase and strengthen our front-line defenses, which are mosquito abatement districts, public health workers and pest management professionals. This is particularly important in the Gulf South because of its intersection of health and economic disparities with a climate that is susceptible to vectors and pathogens. Our currently funded grant titled: “Coordinated training and evaluation of pest management, vector control districts, public health, sanitary, and animal health professionals in these fields to achieve an integrated workforce to mitigate community vector-borne disease risk in the Gulf Coast region,” will address critical gaps in information exchange, resources, infrastructure, evaluation methods, and training standards.