Eastern Branch Meeting Workshop

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.

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.

Olivia Bognanni, MPH 
VectorED Network Program Manager 
Pennsylvania State University 

Indira Chakravarti 
VectorED Network Evaluation Specialist 
Pennsylvania State University 

Drew Lysaker, MS
Extension Program Specialist
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Extension

Erika Machtinger, PhD, CWB®
Associate Professor of Entomology
Pennsylvania State University, Department of Entomology

Michael Skvarla, PhD
Assistant Research Professor
Pennsylvania State University, Department of Entomology

Emily Struckhoff, MS
Extension Program Specialist
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Extension