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Testing for Mosquito Borne Diseases in Vermont
Testing for mosquito vector borne diseases in Vermont is done in the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Laboratories in Waterbury, using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing. This assay multiplies a small distinctive piece of the genetic material of the disease so that it can be measured. The agency has been testing for West Nile virus in mosquito populations from various sites around the state. Mosquitoes from a single collection site are identified to species and placed in mosquito pools containing up to 50 mosquitoes of the same species. Each mosquito pool is then tested using the PCR testing to see if the virus is present in this population of mosquitoes. The Vermont Department of Health also uses PCR tests for West Nile virus in dead birds.
Dog heartworm has been reported in dogs in Vermont. This is a parasite carried by mosquitoes which affects dogs. Most veterinarians recommend that dogs get a preventative treatment for this disease throughout the mosquito season.
Information about diseases in Vermont
Maps of West Nile virus activity in Vermont from the Vermont Department of Health (See Dead Bird Surveillance Map pdf)
Arbovirus Information for West Nile virus from the Vermont Department of Health
Arbovirus Information for West Nile virus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Information on Arboviral Encephalitides from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Images of mosquito vectors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Risk of Malaria in Vermont is negligible
Traveler case of malaria in Vermont from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Studies of Avian Malaria in Vermont from the University of Vermont
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