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Preparation for post-hurricane mosquito control is essential for an effective emergency response to protect public health and promote recovery efforts. Effective pre-hurricane planning includes laying the groundwork for a successful reimbursement application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The critical and overlapping need to sustain funding for mosquito control programs is highlighted here in the context of both normal and emergency responses. Community support is an integral component of an effective integrated pest management program and is established over time with appropriate communication and engagement. Experienced mosquito control operators who are familiar with treatment areas are an essential component of successful operations. Here, practical advice is provided to plan, prepare, and implement a successful ground- and aerial-based mosquito control response., Introduction It is essential to have multiagency (e.g., local, state, regional, federal) communication channels defined for public health mosquito control response post-disaster (Goddard & Varnado, 2020). The Centers for Disease [...]

Researchers have long studied comparative medicine related to the One Health approach (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021a). An element of the One Health approach suggests that animals can serve as early-warning sentinels for infectious diseases in humans. In this study we compare cases of human and equine Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), human West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND), and equine West Nile fever (WNF)/WNND reported during 20082018 in North Carolina. West Nile is a priority zoonotic disease in need of more investigation. We documented year-to-year variation in human and equine cases and noted a relative increase in WNND in 2016-2018. We detected a correlation between numbers of human and equine cases of EEE. We also surveyed North Carolina equine owners to assess vaccination practices, knowledge, and concern about mosquitoes and EEE and WN virus transmission. Most owners (93%) reported vaccinating their horses against these viruses. Equine owners and those who work with horses were minimally concerned about their own health risks related to mosquitoes and associated diseases. Mosquitoes were considered a nuisance during some types of farm activities. Respondents occasionally protected themselves from mosquito exposure by wearing long-sleeved shirts/pants and/or permethrin-treated clothing, self-applying repellent, and/or applying insecticides to properties via barrier treatments. There remains a clear need to effectively communicate the risks of arboviral diseases and the benefits of personal protection measures., Introduction Exotic and native zoonoses continue to threaten human and animal health, changing the landscape of mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. over the last 20 years. There are frequent human [...]

BACKGROUND: Ultra‐low volume (ULV) space sprays aerosolize insecticide formulated products (FP) to contact flying mosquitoes, while barrier sprays expose mosquitoes to FP residue on vegetation and other surfaces. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention bottle bioassays used to assess insecticide resistance are based on residual active ingredient (AI) exposure and do not directly relate to FP efficacy. The current pilot study developed a novel compact wind tunnel for mosquito exposure to FP. Caged Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens/quinquefasciatus were exposed to undiluted Biomist®3 + 15 FP (permethrin AI) or air (control) within the wind tunnel, transferred to new cages, and held in a 28 °C incubator. Separate mosquitoes were exposed to residual permethrin AI (8 μg mL−1) in bottle bioassays. Mortality was monitored 15, 30, 60, and 120 min post‐exposure. RESULTS: Chi‐square tests (P < 0.05) showed significantly higher mortality in Aedes compared to Culex populations for most time points in both bioassay and wind tunnel exposure groups. As expected, mosquitoes exposed to Biomist®3 + 15 showed higher mortality rates than bottle bioassay exposure to permethrin. Two Culex colonies resistant to permethrin in bottle bioassays were susceptible to Biomist®3 + 15 in the wind tunnel. CONCLUSION: The novel compact wind tunnel developed here may be an alternative to field trials for testing FP efficacy, avoiding factors such as weather, logistical planning, and extended personnel hours. The wind tunnel could allow programs to conveniently test efficacy of multiple FP. Comparisons of different insecticide exposure methods provide practical information to inform operational decisions. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During World War II, clothing and textile shortages led to a culture of reusing and repairing items. The Board of Trade issued "Make Do and Mend" leaflets that provided guidance on how to remake and adapt clothing. Sewing skills were essential for maintaining a wardrobe, and women's magazines emphasized the importance of looking stylish and fashionable. Clothing rationing was introduced, and the Utility Clothing Scheme aimed to provide attractive garments within the restrictions of wartime. People used creative methods to obtain fabric, such as repurposing architectural drawings and utilizing unconventional materials like coffin lining and rabbit fur. The resourcefulness extended to household items as well, with knitted washing up cloths and improvised shoelaces for hair styling. The article discusses the practice of "make do and mend" during World War II, where people repurposed and repaired clothing due to shortages and rationing. Tips and tricks for altering clothes were featured in women's magazines, and individuals were encouraged to learn sewing and repair skills through evening classes and women's organizations. Parachute silk became a popular fabric for making underwear, slips, blouses, and wedding dresses. The practice of recycling and reusing clothing continued even after the war ended. The article emphasizes the importance of sustainability and recycling in the present day. [Extracted from the article]

Forestry is one of the most hazardous occupations, due in part to the biological, chemical, ergonomic, physical, and psychosocial aspects of the job. Here, we review health risks in forestry occupations, including those in professional and technical forestry, logging, and forestry support, from the standpoint of biological (e.g. insects/arachnids, plants), chemical (e.g. diesel exhaust), ergonomic (e.g. awkward postures, forceful motions), physical (temperature, noise, vibrations, radiation), and psychosocial (e.g. workplace factors that cause stress, strain, or interpersonal problems for the worker) issues. We conducted a systematic review over a 10-year period (2011–2021) to assess health hazards identified in studies conducted on these occupations and reveal knowledge gaps for future studies to address. This study focuses on occupational health rather than occupational safety. Other forestry worker occupational health and safety studies have focused on analyzing injuries and deaths directly relating to transportation and/or contact with objects such as trees or logs and equipment; however, the areas of occupational health highlighted here have been understudied. Future work should focus on these areas, with an emphasis on intervention strategies that eliminate or mitigate the deleterious health effects of occupational exposures. Study Implications: Forestry workers are exposed to occupational health hazards in their outdoor workplace. This review analyzes published work for a 10-year period (2011–2021) with broader implications such as (1) greater understanding of gaps in the literature for key occupational health hazards facing United States forestry workers and (2) better information on the need for more in-depth studies to collect information about exposure assessments to improve worker protection. This literature review can help forestry workers, managers, and scientists mitigate exposures and protect health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrethroids are commonly used in barrier treatments but less is known about how mosquitoes are affected by the simultaneous application of an insect growth regulator (i.e., pyriproxyfen) used in barrier treatments. This field study, conducted from May 14 – October 16, 2018, evaluated the effect of lambda-cyhalothrin (pyrethroid adulticide) and pyriproxyfen on the reproduction (measured by fecundity and adult emergence) and abundance of Aedes albopictus. Nine properties were treated with Demand®CS 0.06% + Archer® 0.010% (every 60 days) and three control properties received no treatment (N=12 total properties). No significant (P>0.05) differences were observed between abundance of Ae. albopictus in treatment compared to control groups. However, significant differences were observed in abundance of Ae. albopictus adults between weeks at both control (P = 0.003) and treatment (P < 0.0001) properties. Results from our research show that continued studies are needed to determine the efficacy of barrier treatments for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]