Insects and other arthropods (like ticks and mites) can threaten the health, productivity, and welfare of pets, livestock, and honey bees. If an unusual vector is detected, submitting it to an expert for identification is vital for determining the best plan of action.
Why Submission is Important
Accurate Identification: Insects and other arthropods are small and hard to distinguish. Knowing the exact species is essential to understanding its life cycle and habitat.
Disease Surveillance: People, animals, and vectors are expanding into new areas. Different vectors carry different pathogens. Monitoring these vectors helps to know where diseases may occur.
Treatment Decisions: Properly identifying a vector helps determine the quickest and most effective methods for treatment, prevention, and control.
Where to Submit Vectors for Identification
Common locations for identification include:
Local university entomology or extension departments
Local veterinary diagnostic laboratories
County or state public health departments
National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN)
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL)
Some laboratories require submissions from a veterinarian or medical provider, while others accept submissions from the public.
Always check with the chosen laboratory and shipping company for packaging and shipping instructions.
How to Prepare Submissions
Gather Supplies
Tight sealing container (screw topped vial), clean and dry
70-90% ethanol. Rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or clear cocktail alcohol (80 proof or higher) will also work, if needed
Waterproof and alcohol-proof pen (e.g., Pigma micro pen) or pencil
Adhesive label or masking tape
Paper towels and a resealable plastic bag (e.g., Ziploc®)
Crush-proof box and bubble wrap or other packaging materials
Any forms required by the laboratory
Note: if you are submitting to USDA NVSL, VS-Form 5-38 is needed
Dani Ausen, CFSPH
Collect the organisms
Use tweezers, gloves, or other tools as needed to collect several (6-12) organisms.
Handle organisms gently to avoid damaging identifiable traits.
Place organisms in the tightly sealed container.
Kill and preserve the organisms prior to shipping.
For hardy organisms (ticks), fully submerge in an alcohol solution overnight.
For fragile organisms (mosquitoes), place in a freezer for 24-48 hours.
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Prepare for shipment
Prepare the organisms
Drain any alcohol from the container.
Place a small amount of facial tissue or a cotton ball in the vial to absorb residual alcohol.
Write your name, date, and location where the organism was found on a small piece of cardstock or other durable paper and place it inside a sealed container.
Label the container with your name, date, and location where the organism was found.
Wrap the container with plastic film (Press and Seal) and a paper towel or tissue.
Place the wrapped container in a sealable plastic baggie (e.g., Ziploc®).
AVOID:
Using formalin or formaldehyde
Using ink jet printed labels or water-based pens
Using tape to secure organisms
Sending live or unpreserved organisms
Provide detailed information
Complete any forms required and keep copies for your records.
Include your name, contact information (phone number and email address), date and location of collection, and animal upon which the organism was found (if applicable).
Provide details about the organisms or situation (e.g., clinical signs, travel history).
Prepare the shipping container
Place the sample into a sturdy, crush-proof box and surround it with packing material.
Include any required paperwork by placing it in a resealable plastic baggie.
Seal the box well with packing tape and label it with alcohol-proof ink.
