The group critiqued the presentations from the morning session in relation to the assigned questions. Notes from this discussion are as follows:

1)      Working with arthropods other than mosquitoes.

We had conflicting opinions on this subject. Many felt CVB should work with medically important arthropods besides mosquitoes- possibly the most important would be ticks (especially as they pertain to Lyme disease transmission). Many felt that Lyme disease is a major concern, and felt it would be valuable to have someone at the University to provide guidance on the subject. However, a major concern in doing this is the potential to stretch resources too thinly, especially at the expense of mosquito research. So, several felt that applied research on mosquitoes was more valuable to them than research on ticks and lyme disease. Provided that existing programs are not overstretched, and research can be done on both mosquitoes and other arthropods, the group felt that investigations of other arthropods would be a good path for CVB.

 

2)      Bringing balance to the center.

Most of the morning presentations covered pathogen related research. Pathogen related work at the county level only comprises a fraction of day-to-day operations. So while pathogen investigations are an important component of the center, there are other components as equally important. For example, having access to researchers who have expertise in service and outreach programs in mosquito biology (and other vectors) is critical. In addition, it is important that such individuals be well versed in the design/implementation of outreach policy and must communicate this information to policy makers (e.g. state officials, county freeholders, other elected officials, etc).

 

3)      New faculty and research initiatives.

The group discussed future lines of work for new faculty. One immediate need is cooperative research between ecology faculty and mosquito researchers... particularly regarding topics such as wetlands ecology and hydrology. It was the group's sense that this would not necessarily require additional faculty lines but rather require building a bridge with existing researchers in the ecology department. Insecticide related research is in need of expansion. Among other things this could involve work with engineers. For example, work related to aerosol droplet dynamics, etc could be evaluated with such an arrangement. Studying environmental fate of insecticides, insecticide resistance research and development new products (and technology) is need of expansion.

 

4)      Teaching.

Although the new MPH program was briefly mentioned, teaching was not thoroughly addressed. Various members of the group cited a continued and expanded need for continuing education classes and courses of the main curriculum. Of critical importance is the inclusion of formal training in vector control practices into this curriculum. In addition, the center should make an effort to match our community's teaching requirements with pre-existing courses that exist on campus.

 

5)      Utilizing county personnel.

The group felt that working with county personnel, particularly those counties that have research expertise on staff, should be optimized by NJAES. Many of the counties conduct research and/or have staff experienced in conducting research. Therefore, these counties could provide much needed applied research. In addition, the counties could provide valuable insight from many years of experience and observations.

 

6)      International component.

The group felt that developing relationships with operational personnel and researchers on an international scale would help address future challenges in the field of vector management. An international component could provide useful information on insect vectors, vector control, and vector-borne diseases.

 

7)      Public education.

Group members felt there is need in increasing the public education component of CVB. This could come in a variety of forms. Ideally, NJAES should be in a position to serve as the lead agency in discussing mosquito trends, disease analysis, insecticide technology, etc. with the public.