Practices, attitudes, and knowledge on vector control among Florida deer farmers

More than 300 deer farms are registered in Florida, and up to USD 32 million losses have been recorded during a single outbreak of hemorrhagic disease (HD) caused by bluetongue virus and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus. These viruses are transmitted by Culicoides biting midges, and controlling these insects is necessary to protect deer health in areas of HD transmission. Effective HD vector control programs are unavailable, making a thorough assessment of current control practices, attitudes, and knowledge among deer farmers essential for successful vector management. We surveyed Florida deer farmers through an online Qualtrics questionnaire. Half of the surveyed deer farmers indicated using insecticides, primarily permethrin (71.4%), for controlling vectors, particularly Culicoides biting midges of veterinary importance. Over half of the deer farmers indicated that ultra-low volume application is their preferred method of insecticide application, and applications against Culicoides biting midges are performed at dusk and/or dawn (56%). Deer farmers also reported applying insecticides for the control of crop and structural pests in their farms (2.6%). Sixty-five percent of deer farmers indicated that they do not rotate insecticides, and 4.2% of them apply as often as daily, raising concerns about the potential development of insecticide resistance in these farms. The results from this survey serve as groundwork for the development of an integrated vector management program against HD vectors. By aligning control strategies with the needs and interests of deer farmers, we aim to establish more effective vector management practices that safeguard deer health in the state of Florida.