Control and prevent disease-causing vectors
Managing disease-causing vectors protects animal and human health. But it is also important to protect beneficial insects and other arthropods. When managing vectors, use of a multi-layered and holistic approach – referred to as integrated pest management (IPM) – is essential.
Long-term, sustainable solutions require a team to accurately identify the problem and implement effective actions. Veterinary personnel, animal and public health officials, extension agents, laboratorians, and animal owners should all work together to keep animals and people heathy.
Integrated pest management (IPM) is an approach to pest control that combines non-chemical and chemical practices. It is an effective and environmentally-friendly approach that aims to reduce the use of pesticides. In turn, negative effects from pesticides are minimized and risk of pesticide resistance is lowered.
Listed below are key steps to consider when implementing IPM in animal settings.
Prevention
- Preventing the introduction and spread of vectors is the best way to avoid vector-borne diseases.
- New and returning animals can bring pests and parasites with them. Be sure to check (and treat as needed) for vectors before purchase and movement as well as upon arrival.
- Fomites, such as buckets of water and vehicles, can move vectors from one site to another. Clean and disinfect equipment as needed.
Monitoring
- Not all pests require control efforts. Monitor pest populations and prepare to act before illness or damage occurs.
- Regularly check animals, animal areas, and people for vectors or signs of illness.
- Prompt detection of disease vectors can minimize illness in animals and people.
Identification
- When harmful vectors are found, they must be accurately identified to ensure appropriate control measures are used.
- Having a correct identification helps to determine targeted methods to disrupt the vector’s life cycle and habitat.
Control
- Cultural controls are actions that minimize exposure to the vector. This includes efforts such as rotating pastures and avoiding outdoor activities during peak insect activity.
- Physical or mechanical controls are actions that directly eliminate the vector (e.g., removing water-holding containers and manure). They may also include devices to block or capture vectors (e.g., screens, fans, or traps).
- Biological controls involve the use of natural enemies – predators, parasites, pathogens, or competitors – to control vectors. Examples include mosquitofish, certain birds, bats, or parasitic wasps. Certain plants can also repel vectors or attract beneficial insects to help manage vector populations.
- Chemical controls involve the use of pesticides. Look for EPA or FDA-registered products and use them judiciously. Products selected should target the identified vector and be applied in a way that minimizes harm to people, animals, nontarget organisms, such as honeybees or aquatic animals, and the environment. When used responsibly, pesticides can be an important tool for controlling vectors, especially those that spread highly contagious and foreign diseases.
Evaluation
- Once control efforts are started, it is crucial to continually monitor any impacts on the vector as well as the animal(s) and surrounding people and environment.
- Keeping detailed records about the identified vector, control methods used, and results obtained will help measure success and guide future efforts.
Be sure to use a combination of targeted measures and work together to continuously improve IPM practices. Doing so will promote healthy people, animals, plants, and our shared environment.