Newly formed Vector-Borne Disease Network to advocate for measures against ticks, mosquitos

Vector-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Zika and West Nile virus are on notice, with the formation of a new coalition known as the Vector-Borne Disease Network, whose sole goal is to address the challenges of such diseases.

The Network is being guided by the Entomological Society of America but consists of 18 scientific and medical societies, associations and advocacy groups. Together, they will advise and guide federal policy along with a strategic, anti-blood feeding insect effort. Largely, this will mean efforts to crack down on ticks and mosquitoes in the United States.

“Our country can no longer afford to be complacent toward the dangers posed by mosquito- and tick-borne disease,” said Robert K. D. Peterson, president of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) and professor of entomology at Montana State University. “From researchers and public-health officials to policymakers and vector-management professionals, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and tackle this problem together.”

The group intends to begin launching efforts later this year. However, they will likely focus on obtaining funding for tick and mosquito research, tick and mosquito detection and disease diagnosis, innovative disease prevention and control methods, as well as bolstering workforce and technical capabilities in vector-borne disease research, response, and control.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in the 12 years between 2004 and 2016, cases of disease spread from insects like ticks and mosquitoes tripled, and nine new germs were introduced over the same period.