**Printable VersionE-mail this page   National ProgramsInternational ProgramsFind Research ProjectsThe Research EnterpriseOffice of Scientific Quality ReviewResearch Initiatives UBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd">		You are here: 						Research / 																				**Research Project:**USE OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) METHODS TO UNDERSTAND SPATIAL PATTERNS OF MOSQUITO VECTORS OF WEST NILE VIRUS**2007 Annual Report**
**1a.Objectives (from AD-416)**													The objective of this cooperative research project is to conduct geo-spatial analyses of climatic and bio-geographic factors that influence the distribution and vector competence of Culex tarsalis in the inter-mountain West. This mosquito species  is a very competent vector of WNV, and using GIS to analyze and interpret climatic and bio-geographic factors that support mosquito populations will define spatial patterns where risk for exposure to WNV is high for humans, livestock, and wildlife populations.  The same methods will be applied to assess risk of a potential Rift Valley fever virus introduction.						
**1b.Approach  (from AD-416)**													The goal is to be able to predict areas and conditions of high and low risk for WNV.  This will focus mosquito control programs and call attention to the need for use of personal protection methods (insect repellents). Vector-borne diseases are the product of habitats that support vector populations, ambient temperatures that enhance rates of larval development and virus amplification, and wildlife species that serve as donors of virus ingested during vector blood feeding. Using GIS, it will be possible to predict geographic areas and seasonal patterns that are necessary for outbreaks  of arbovirus to occur. 
GIS methods provide powerful tools for spatial analysis of  climatic and biogeographic factors that promote vector competence among mosquito populations.  We will use satellite imagery and ground-based data to define environmental profiles for habitats and areas that support populations of C. tarsalis.  These data will define most suitable habitats and best conditions for the species and serve as a basis for predictions of where and when this mosquito is most abundant on a larger spatial scale.  Climatic data superposed on the spatial abundance of C. tarsalis will enable predictions of maximum risk for WNV transmission, and potentially, Rift Valley fever virus.						
**3.Progress Report**													This report documents research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and the University of Wyoming. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 5410-32000-013-00X Research on Bettering Surveillance of Arboviral Threats, Using West Nile Virus as a Model. 
During the past year research activities have focused on two fronts: (1) finishing research activities related to West Nile Virus in Wyoming and California, and; (2) initiating research on Rift Valley Fever Risk mapping in pilot states. Research on identifying small water bodies for the purposes of improving the lower scale of detecting mosquito larvae habitat was completed. Spatial and temporal data for long-term temperature and livestock census have been acquired and input into a geographic information system (GIS). GIS models have been developed that determine the number of extrinsic incubation periods (EIPs) for the purposes of determining risk of virus transmission (both RVFV and WNV) and applied in pilot states. The model can predict whether a station or area has exceeded the EIP of the target virus and mosquito vector, the number of days of it exceeded it, the onset and ending date(s), and the total risk related to the duration of time in which the virus can be transmitted. Preliminary risk assessment in the pilot states has begun in which livestock census data are combined with results from the EIP at the state scale. ADODR monitoring activities to evaluate research progress were accomplished through meetings and email exchanges with UW cooperators.						
    
Project Annual Reports FY 2009 FY 2008 FY 2007 FY 2006 FY 2005 Publications  Publications 
Related National Programs Animal Health(103) Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology(104)  							Last Modified: 01/10/2012 		ARS Home |USDA.gov |Site Map |Policies and Links FOIA |Accessibility Statement |Privacy Policy |Nondiscrimination Statement |Information Quality |USA.gov |White House

**