Sunday, November 8, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Columbus, Ohio
(lunch will be provided)
Maximum capacity: 50 people
This workshop provides a crash course on ectoparasites and vectors, crucial for both human and animal health. Participants will gain practical, hands-on experience in identifying common ectoparasites (such as ticks, fleas, mites, and lice) and learn about their diversity and ecological roles. The workshop will cover techniques for safely collecting ectoparasites from animal hosts, with a focus on accurate specimen handling and preservation. Additionally, participants will explore surveillance methods used to monitor vector populations, including mosquito traps and tick collection tools. A key focus will be assessing vector-borne disease risks and developing strategies to prevent bites and disease transmission. This interactive training is designed to equip professionals with the skills to enhance vector surveillance and mitigation efforts in their respective fields.
| Membership Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| All ESA Members | $50 |
| Non-Member | $75 |
Workshop Learning Objectives
Identification of Common Ectoparasites and Vectors
- Develop baseline knowledge in identifying common ectoparasites (e.g., ticks, fleas, mites, keds and flat flies, lice) through hands-on training and observation.
- Appreciation and exposure to the diversity of ectoparasites and range of taxa
Collection and Surveillance of Common Ectoparasites and Vectors
- Learn techniques for safely collecting ectoparasite specimens from animal hosts, ensuring accuracy and preservation for further analyses.
- Hands-on look at common surveillance methods for vectors including common mosquito traps, and tick collection materials.
Assessment of Vector-Borne Disease Risk:
- Learn to assess the risk of vector-borne diseases in a region or location.
- Understand strategies to prevent vector bites and vector-borne disease transmission through discussion and hands-on training.
Workshop Agenda
Introduction (20 min, 9:00am-9:20am)
- What is an ectoparasite?
- Ectoparasites and vectors background
- Workshop outline
- Housekeeping items
- Intro to mentimeter
Group work (9:30am-12:00pm)
- Station 1 (50 min) - Hard and soft ticks
- Station 2 (50 min) - Mosquitoes & kin
- Station 3 (50 min) - Vector surveillance methods discussion, demonstration
Lunch (12:00pm-1:00pm)
Group work (1:00pm-2:05pm)
- Station 4 (25 min) - Fleas
- Station 5 (25 min) - Keds, bat flies, bot flies
- Station 6 (25 min) - Collection methods discussion, demonstrations
Break (2:05pm-2:15pm)
Group work (2:15pm-3:00pm)
- Station 7 (25 min) - Lice
- Station 8 (25 min) - Mites
- Station 9 (25 min) - VBD Protection, field safety, activity
Wrap up (3:30pm-4:00pm)
- Turn & talk
- Questions
- Post-survey (10 minutes)
Participants will rotate among three stations during each block. The instructor will lead participants through presentations, discussions, or exercises at each station.
- Hands-on Training: Participants will be provided with specimens or visual aids to practice identifying common ectoparasites found on wildlife species.
- Interactive Demonstrations: Demonstrations of proper collection techniques, specimen handling, and identification methods will be conducted.
- Practical Exercises: Participants will be assigned practical tasks or problem-solving activities that require them to apply their knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges in wildlife disease management.
Organizer(s)
Kimberly Bjorgo
Department Chair, Professor
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Drew Lysaker
Extension Program Specialist
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Extension
Erika Machtinger
Associate Professor of Entomology
Pennsylvania State University, Department of Entomology
Michael Skvarla
Assistant Research Professor
Pennsylvania State University, Department of Entomology
Emily Struckhoff
Extension Program Specialist
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Extension
Rebecca Trout Fryxell
Professor of Entomology and Plant Pathology
University of Tennessee
Angela Tucker
Medical Entomology Education Specialist
University of Tennessee
