Mosquito-borne diseases

Mosquito-Borne Dog Heartworm Disease

J. K. Nayar and C. R. Connelly

Each year thousands of dogs become disabled or die from lung, heart, or circulatory problems caused by heartworm disease. Heartworm disease in dogs and related canines is caused by a filarial nematode (a large thread-like round worm), Dirofilaria immitis. The adult worms live in the right side of the heart in the right ventricle and adjacent blood vessels (pulmonary arteries). Because of their location, they are commonly called "dog heartworms."

Surveillance for Mosquito-Borne Viruses

C. Roxanne Connelly

Mosquito-Transmitted Highlands J Virus in Florida

C. Roxanne Connelly

Protecting Florida Horses from Mosquitoes

Cynthia C. Lord and C. Roxanne Rutledge Connelly

Bluetongue

Walter J. Tabachnick, Chelsea T. Smartt, and C. Roxanne Connelly

ENY-743 answers common questions about this viral disease of ruminant livestock transmitted by biting midges, the virus, clinical signs of bluetongue, economic impact, transmission, diagnosis, cure, distribution, presence in Florida, and prevention. Includes references.

Using Wolbachia Bacteria to Control Mosquitoes and Mosquito-Borne Disease

Leena A. Salama, Abdullah A. Alomar, Daniel W. Pérez-Ramos, and Eric P. Caragata

This publication is intended for both the general public and mosquito control professionals. It outlines the use of the bacterium Wolbachia pipientis as a tool to control mosquito populations and reduce the spread of mosquito-borne disease. Biting mosquitoes transmit many pathogens that cause deadly diseases in people, our pets, and our livestock. Collectively, malaria, dengue, West Nile, filariasis, and other mosquito-borne diseases result in millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. Effective vaccines for most of these have not been developed or are not yet available to the general public, and disease management is focused on controlling mosquito populations. Insecticides have become less effective over the past fifty years as mosquito populations all over the world have developed resistance. This has driven scientists to explore new options for controlling mosquitoes, including using the bacterium Wolbachia pipientis.

Keystone Virus: A Neglected Mosquito-Borne Arbovirus

Abdullah A. Alomar, Lawrence E. Reeves, and Barry W. Alto

Keystone virus (KEYV) is an emerging negative-sense single-stranded RNA arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) that can be transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito vector. This publication provides an overview of the KEYV distribution, potential vectors, transmission cycle, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention.

Rift Valley Fever Virus: A Zoonotic Vector-Borne Pathogen Affecting Human and Livestock Health

Abdullah A. Alomar, Lindsay P. Campbell, Derrick K. Mathias, and Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena

This publication summarizes the available information about the distribution, vectors, vertebrate hosts, transmission cycles, epidemiology, and control of Rift Valley fever virus.

Fact Sheet: Mayaro Virus

Lawrence Reeves, Lindsay P. Campbell

Mayaro virus (MAYV) can be spread from mosquitoes to humans. The geographic distribution of Mayaro virus is expanding from South and Central America into the Caribbean Islands, which means that, under the right conditions, this virus could one day become important to Florida. This publication is intended to serve as a fact sheet communicating information about MAYV to researchers and stakeholders in mosquito control and public health professions and to the general public.

Fact Sheet: West Nile virus

Yasmin Tavares, Amely Bauer, Lawrence Reeves, and Lindsay Campbell

Introduced to the United States in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted from mosquitoes to humans and equines. With over 52,000 reported human infections, it is the most frequent cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Many mosquito species can transmit WNV, and many wildlife species can be infected with the virus and transmit it to biting mosquitoes, which makes identifying WNV's high risk areas or time periods complex. The US equine industry, domestic pets, and livestock are all at risk from harm from WNV. Many equine WNV epizootics have occurred since 1999, with more than 30,000 equine cases reported in the United States. Since WNV's introduction to Florida in 2001, infections have been reported in a total of 460 people and 757 equines. This publication provides information about WNV to the general public, researchers and stakeholders in mosquito control, and public health professionals.

African Malaria Mosquito Anopheles gambiae Giles (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae)

Sabrina A. White and Phillip E. Kaufman

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Floods, warm temperatures promote mosquito production, UF/IFAS expert explains what to expect, how to protect

Lourdes Mederos

Extensive rains, flooding and scattered debris that hold water can lead to mosquito development. “An increase in mosquito numbers can potentially be expected in the weeks following the extensive rain events that took place in South Florida last week,” said  Eva Buckner, an assistant professor and medical entomologist at the University of Florida’s Institute of […]