New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Entomology and the Center for Vector Biology
New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station: In accordance with New Jersey Health Statutes, dating back to 1906, "The director of the state experiment station, or an executive officer appointed by him shall: Survey ...areas within the state for the location of mosquito breeding areas", "investigate the mosquito life history, habits and control, as will furnish information necessary to successful mosquito extermination by any agency within the state" and "distribute among the people of the state information concerning the nature and results of mosquito extermination." The Experiment Station annually reviews the mandated Plans and Estimates submitted by the County Mosquito Commissions.
Department of Entomology, Center for Vector Biology: The mission of the Center for Vector Biology (formerly the Mosquito Research Unit) is mandated by Title 26 of the New Jersey Health Statutes wherein the unit represents the Director of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Research and surveillance is conducted by the Center within the Department of Entomology, at Rutgers University, that guide and support decisions by the Agricultural Experiment Station. In addition to adult mosquito and mosquito-borne disease surveillance, "Insecticides for Mosquito Control in New Jersey" is published annually from this Department to guide pesticide applications within the state.
County Mosquito Control Commissions, County Mosquito Control Agencies
County Mosquito Control Commissions: Actually termed "County Mosquito Extermination Commissions" are established according to the New Jersey Health Statutes in 1912. Each commission shall "perform all acts which in its opinion may be necessary for the elimination of mosquito breeding areas, or which will tend to exterminate mosquitoes within the county." Funding is provided by "the board of freeholders of the county or other body having control of the finances thereof." Each county mosquito extermination commission is composed of six members appointed by the board of chosen freeholders of each county in addition to the Director of the State Experiment Station and the Commissioner of Health, who are ex-officio members and who cooperate with them for the effective carrying out of their plans and work. At least three of the appointive members are persons who are or have been members or employees of boards of health, and one appointive member is a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the county. The County Mosquito Control Commissions meet once a month. Each commission annually submits Plans and Estimates to the Director of NJ Agricultural Experiment Station and at the end of each year, an Annual Report to the Director and to the Board of Freeholders.
County Mosquito Control Agencies: In most counties of New Jersey, the same responsibility for mosquito control rests with a county government agency and not in an autonomous commission.
State Mosquito Control Commission, Office of Mosquito Control Coordination
State Mosquito Control Commission: This commission, established in 1956, is comprised of 10 members, six of whom are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate and four of whom are the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, the Commissioner of the Department of Health , the Secretary of Agriculture, or their designated representatives, and the Director of the New Jersey State Agricultural Experiment Station, ex officio. State Health Statutes specify that "It shall be the duty of the commission to carry on a continuous study of mosquito control and extermination in the State, to recommend to the Governor and the Legislature...changes in legislation which in its judgment may be necessary ...to enforce and carry out mosquito...control work throughout the State. With State funding, the Commission provides for aid to county mosquito control units, for the State Airspray Program and for service and research projects. The Commission meets monthly.
Office of Mosquito Control Coordination: Created in 1975 and currently within the NJ Department of Environmental Protection this office administers the activities of the State Mosquito Control Commission. It cooperates with county, state and federal agencies to develop and implement sound procedures and techniques for mosquito control in the areas of water management, chemical and biological control.
New Jersey Mosquito Control Association
(formerly the N. J. Mosquito Extermination Association, established in 1913) The objectives and purposes of the Association shall be to promote and encourage close cooperation among those directly and indirectly concerned with, or interested in mosquito control and related work, the stimulation of educational activities to increase the knowledge of mosquito control and the advancement of the cause of mosquito control and related environmental concerns in the State of New Jersey and elsewhere. The association may also encourage such other insect control programs as the Association or Board of Trustees may determine. The membership is open to those interested in mosquito control, and holds an annual meeting for 2 1/2 days in February or March.
The Associated Executives of Mosquito Control Work in New Jersey
The objectives and purposes of this Association shall be to promote, preserve and protect professional standards, authority and judgment of those employed full time primarily in mosquito control in the State of New Jersey through close cooperation with the executive officer employed by each of the involved agencies. This group, established in 1921, meets monthly.
The American Mosquito Control Association
Originated in N.J. in 1935, this is an international association of organizations and individuals interested in mosquito and other vector control, providing leadership, information and education leading to the enhancement of health and quality of life through the suppression of mosquitoes and other vector transmitted diseases and the reduction of annoyance levels caused by mosquitoes and other vectors and pests of public health importance.