{"id":691,"date":"2025-08-07T15:44:56","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T20:44:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/team.cfsph.iastate.edu\/?page_id=691"},"modified":"2026-04-16T11:02:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T16:02:36","slug":"submit-vectors-for-identification","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.cfsph.iastate.edu\/vectors\/submit-vectors-for-identification\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Submit Vectors for Identification"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Submission is Important<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\"Bug<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Accurate Identification:<\/strong> Insects and other arthropods are small and hard to distinguish. Knowing the exact species is essential to understanding its life cycle and habitat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Eye<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Disease Surveillance:<\/strong> People, animals, and vectors are expanding into new areas. Different vectors carry different pathogens. Monitoring these vectors helps to know where diseases may occur.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Health<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Treatment Decisions:<\/strong> Properly identifying a vector helps determine the quickest and most effective methods for treatment, prevention, and control.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Where to Submit Vectors for Identification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Common locations for identification include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Local university entomology or extension departments<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Local veterinary diagnostic laboratories<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • County or state public health departments<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Some laboratories require submissions from a veterinarian or medical provider, while others accept submissions from the public.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Always check with the chosen laboratory and shipping company for packaging and shipping instructions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    How to Prepare Submissions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Gather Supplies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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