LeMaringouin

January 2010

Inside this issue: Message from the President Well, 2010 has arrived and with it some cold weather consistent with more north- ern latitudes. It certainly will inhibit adult mosquito activity for the short term and I Gulf Coast Fly-In 2 guess that is never a bad thing. It raises the question of the impact of a 7-to-10 day Lake Charles, LA stretch of the unseasonably cold weather we are experiencing this month in most of Louisiana on mosquito populations going forward from here. Now, I know from experience that mosquito populations because of their reproductive potential can 2010 Board of 2 rebound quite quickly and certainly many Louisiana mosquito species also are dis- Directors tributed in northern areas ( Aedes vexans and Culiseta inornata among others) but it does raise a question at least about the short term impact of unusually cold weather on Louisiana populations of mosquito species not normally exposed to Spring Workshop 3 such conditions (i.e. Culex coronator, Mansonia titillans, and some Uranotania) throughout their normal distributions. Just food for thought..

The Louisiana Mosquito Control Association has many activities planned for the upcoming year. I hope Scholarships & 3 to continue initiatives started by 2009 LMCA president, Claudia Riegel, to expand the role of LMCA in Awards the education of the general public and decision makers regarding the importance of mosquito control and best practices of mosquito control. A project to use the LMCA website to distribute more of this type of information will continue and the work of our outstanding newsletter editor, Scott Willis, will C. Lamar Meek 4 facilitate these efforts.

Scholarship The LMCA spring workshop has been scheduled for March 16-18, 2010 in Pineville, LA and I look for- ward to seeing many of you there. I am pleased to report that Dr. Roger Nasci, Chief, Arboviral Dis- Lewis T. Graham 5 eases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tion, from Ft. Collins, CO will be a featured speaker. More detailed information on the workshop is Research Award contained elsewhere in the newsletter and will also be available on the LMCA website.

Research Fund 5-7 Please feel free to contact me with any issues you may have. I can be reached at [email protected]

Awards Wayne Kramer

AMCA News 7

Reception for Dr. Mary Grodner Workshop Pre- 8 Registration Form On Wednesday March 17th at 6:00 pm the LMCA will host a reception in honor of Dr. Grodner’s contributions to the LMCA Code 9 LMCA during her tenure as the Pesticide Safety Coordina- of Ethics tor. The reception will be held at the Country Inn & Suites in Pineville, LA during the spring workshop.

AMCA Annual 10 Meeting Page 2 LeMaringouin

2010 Gulf Coast Fly-In Wednesday April 28th 9:00am to 4:30pm A workshop for all those interested and involved in the aerial control of mosquitoes will be held at the Calcasieu Par- ish Mosquito Control hangar at Chennault Field, Lake Charles, LA. It’s FREE for all attendees, to include a catered lunch and meeting supplies.

The Air Force C-130 used for post-hurricane mosquito spraying operations will be on display (weather permitting). The crew will be available for demonstrations.

 A “SHOW & TELL” highlighting numerous mosquito control planes and a variety of spray systems.  Equipment and control products will be displayed by a variety of industry vendors  Educational presentations

Hotels Suggestions Topics to include:

Sleep Inn & Suites  Starting an aerial mosquito control program 3211 Venture Park Drive  Accident investigations I-210 & LA 14, Lake Charles, LA 70615  Optimal flight paths (337) 480-0898

 Latest research on droplet size and drift Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites  Flight safety & Aircraft maintenance 2940 Lake Street  New product & Equipment updates Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 491-6600

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Please RSVP with Tom Janousek (402) 561-9260: [email protected] 402 Martin Luther King Hwy Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 491-6600 or Calcasieu Parish Mosquito Control (337) 721-3780

2010 LMCA Board of Directors

Elections were held at the LMCA fall business meeting and several new members along with incumbents were re-elected. Congratulations to Gary Balsamo, Brian Irby, Herff Jones, Kyle Moppert, Patrick Sutton and Rod Wells. Wayne Kramer was elected President and Herff Jones was elected Vice President of our association.

Front row (left to right): Wayne Kramer, Patrick Sutton, Claudia Riegel, Alma Roy, Herff Jones, Kyle Moppert

Back row ( left to right): Scott Willis, Rod Wells, Dennis Wallette, Bryan Irby, Gary Balsamo and Billy Noegel. Page 3 LeMaringouin

2010 LMCA Workshop March 16th—18th, Pineville Louisiana

The LSU AgCenter and the LMCA are sponsoring a workshop for applicators interested in re-certification or becom- ing certified as commercial pesticide applicators in mosquito control/public health, categories 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d. It will take place at the Country Inn & Suites, Pineville, LA, 2727 Monroe Hwy 165, (318) 641-8332. Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. and the workshop will begin at 1:00 pm on March 16th, and conclude at noon on March 18th. Registration for the advanced session March 17th will begin at 12:30 and conclude at 1:00 when the session begins. The first two days will be classroom style at the hotel. The third day will be at the LSU AgCenter’s Dean Lee Station just south of Alexandria on U.S. 71 and will be a hands-on session in the morning, with certification examinations administrated by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) during the afternoon, for those wishing to become cer- tified. There will be a $25.00 examination fee payable to the LDAF. Pre-Registration Form

Workshop pre-registration fees are set at $10.00 for members of the LMCA and $30.00 for non-members. On-site registration will be an additional $5.00 for all. Lunch will be provided during the third day’s session. The registration fee is payable to the LMCA, cash or checks only, no credit cards.

Mosquito control training manuals are available from the LMCA. Please note that you can pay for and reserve a copy for pick-up at the workshop. However, it would be advantageous for the applicator to have the training manual for study before the workshop. They can be ordered by contacting St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Control, 2800 A Ter- race Avenue, Slidell, LA 70458 or phone 985/643-5050. The cost is $15.00 plus $5.00 shipping and handling.

The LaDAF also gives a General Standards test which covers applications of pesticides. Their new book to study by is the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual. The cost is $10.00 for this book plus tax (tax in your parish). Order from the LaDAF, LSU Ag. Extension Service (225) 578-2180 or you can contact the Louisiana Coop- erative Extension Service in your parish. If you have questions about testing or recertification you can contact the LaDAF Program Coordinator of Certification and Training, Marty Pousson at (225) 925-3787.

LMCA Scholarships & Award Program

A number of scholarships and awards were given to students for the 2010 academic year. Listed below are the recipients.

Anna Gibson C. Lamar Meek Memorial Scholarship Texas Tech Jennifer Gordon Lewis T. Graham Student Research Award LSU

Grant Aucoin LMCA Research Fund Award LSU

Leigh Anne Lawton LMCA Research Fund Award LSU

Mark Rider LMCA Research Fund Award Tulane

Peggy Yo LMCA Research Fund Award Tulane Sarah Michaels LMCA Research Fund Award Tulane

On the following pages is their bio-information, project titles and abstracts. Page 4 LeMaringouin

C. Lamar Meek Memorial Scholarship Anna Gibson In the last newsletter I spoke of how the NPDES permitting requirements could pose a severe hardship to mosquito abatement districts. Applications of mosquito Annacontrol Gibson products is currentlyinto, above, a orgraduate around watersstudent of in the the United Vector-Borne States have Zoonosesbeen exempt laboratory from having to obtain NPDES permits in atadvance The ofInstitute such applications. of Environmental Mosquito andcontrol Human districts Health, everywhere Texas became Tech alarmedUniversity. in Januar Shey of 2009 when a panel of judges fromearned the 6th her Circuit Bachelor Court ofof Appeals Science issued degree a decision in biology which fromstruck Sonomadown the StateEPA Final University Rule in which exempted mosquito control districts from permitting requirements. 2002. As an undergraduate student her studies focused on assessing phenotypic and

NPDES permitting requirements werespatial a key variations topic at the in AMCAbay/oak Spring woodlands Legislative to Conferencedetermine inthe Washington, effects of landscapeD. C. in May. heteroge- Mem- bers from mosquito control districtsneity around on the countryemergent came forest toge therdisease to express Sudden their Oak concerns. Death (SincePhytopthora that time ramorum). there have Upon been some positive developments. graduation she was employed as a research assistant for McLaughlin Research Institute applying genetic and molecular approaches to the study of mechanisms of prion replica- On June 8, 2009, the Sixth Circuit Courttion and of Appeals pathogenesis. granted theFrom U.S. 2005-2008, Environmental she Protection was a research Agency's associate (EPA) request for Exelixis, for a two Inc.- year stay of the court's January 7, 2009where decision she was which involved made certain in the applications design and of execution pesticides ofsubject pre-clinical to National studies Pollutant to character- Dis- charge Elimination System (NPDES)ize permitting the efficacy requirements. of receptor This staytyrosine gives EPA,kina seand (RTK) the states inhibitors which are against delegated cancer the authoritprocessesy to enforce the NPDES program, untilsuch April as 9,cell 2011 proliferation, to develop, pr angiogenesis,opose and issue progression NPDES general and permitsdrug resistance. for pesticide Inapplication 2008 shes covered by the Sixth Circuit's decision. These permits will be required for pesticides applied directly to water to control pests and/ began her graduate career at Texas Tech University and currently her studies are fo- or applied to control pests that are present in or over, including near waters. Irrigation return flows and agricultural runoff will not require NPDES permits as they arecused specifica onlly theexempted development from the ofCWA. biological The Louisiana threat recognitionDepartment oftechnologies Environmental for Quality real timehas detection, viral genetics and West Nile virus occurrence in west Texas.

Project Title: Rapid detection of Flaviviruses in arbovirus vectoring mosquitoes using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM).

Abstract: Flaviviruses are ssRNA viruses of the genus Flavivirus (family Flaviviridae) is comprised of more than 70 vi- ruses, many of which are transmitted to humans by infective arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes. Dengue, West Nile, Japanese encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and yellow fever viruses are important human pathogens, which re- sult in significant annual morbidity and mortality in humans globally. A rapid and sensitive method of detection of virus infected vectors is needed for ongoing surveillance efforts in order to control outbreaks of disease. Currently, mos- quitoes are monitored for Flaviviruses by either cDNA detection using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reac- tion or virus isolation; both of which are expensive and lengthy processes requiring trained laboratory personnel. A biosensor detects, records, and transmits information pertaining to physiological change or presence of biological ma- terial. The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is a weight sensitive device that determines mass by measuring the change in frequency of a quartz crystal resonator coated with a thin gold electrode. The use of the QCM in probe DNA immobilization and sequence specific hybridization has been the target of substantial investigation over the past decade. Chemosorptive interactions between the gold electrode and thiolated molecules such as DNA oligonu- clotides is widely used for electrochemical and piezoelectric biosensing. Self-assembling monolayers (SAM) covalently adhere the single strand DNA (ssDNA) oligonucleotide to the sensor such that is acts as a capture strand by hybridiz- ing with complementary sequences via Watson-Crick base pairing. The resulting duplex can be detected as change in mass by the sensor. Experimental success in target detection is dependent upon specific and persistent hybridization events between the synthetic oligonucleotides and their complementary target sequences. A variety of nucleic acid analogs, such as locked nucleic acids (LNA), have been developed that display increased thermal stabilities when hy- bridized with complementary DNA or RNA as compared to unmodified DNA:DNA duplexes. The locked backbone of LNAs have been found to possess enhanced hybridization performance and biostability in multiple applications such as PCR, SNP scoring, and as high-affinity capture agents. The ability of LNA to hybridize with RNA eliminates the need to use reverse transcriptase to create a complementary DNA transcript prior to detection, making it ideal for use as a capture strand in a QCM biodetection system. Viral RNA detection on the QCM, as a biosensor, offers the potential for rapid detection of Flaviviruses in mosquitoes in as little time as an hour. The aim of this project is to determine if the QCM is a viable instrument for Flavivirus detection in mosquitoes. Page 5 LeMaringouin

Lewis T. Graham Student Research Award Jennifer R. Gordon

Jennifer R. Gordon was born at Colorado Springs, Colorado into an air force family that resulted in her travelling across the United States until her mother settled down in Kokomo, Indiana in 1990. After she graduated from Kokomo High School in 2003 with an Academic Honor’s Diploma, she moved to West Lafayette, Indiana in 2004 to attend Purdue University until she earned her B.S. in Entomology in 2008. During the summer of 2008, she moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to start a Master’s program in Entomology specializing in Toxicology at Louisiana State Uni- versity. Currently, the title of her project is Insecticide Resistance in the Southern House Mosquito, Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Project Title: Insecticide Resistance in the Southern House Mosquito Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract: Biochemical and biological assays were used to characterize insecticide resistance on multiple populations of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus collected from across East Baton Rouge Parish in Southern Louisiana. Bioassays measured suscep- tibility in adult mosquitoes to naled, an organophosphate insecticide, and resme- thrin, a Pyrethroids insecticide, and found levels of resistance across the parish were variable. Esterase activities were measured from individual adults using spectrophotometric assays with model substrates, and esterases were visualized using gel electrophoresis. Results from these studies are discussed with respect to current management strategies for this species in East Baton Rouge Parish.

LMCA Research Fund Award Leigh-Anne Lawton

Leigh-Anne is a research associate for the LSU AgCenter and part-time student at LSU in the department of Entomology. She has a Master’s of Science degree in biol- ogy from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX and a Bachelor of Science degree in entomology from Texas A&M University in College Station. This study will attempt to fill that gap between the feeding patterns of previously studied and known vector mosquito species, to mosquitoes that may serve as vec- tors of arboviruses. The objective of this study will be to concentrate on feeding preferences of Ochlerotatus atlanticus/tormentor, Oc. canadensis, Oc. fulvus-pallens, Oc. infirmatus and Oc. dupreei. DNA will be extracted from the abdomens of blood-fed mosquitoes and amplified via PCR.

Project Title: Host feeding preferences of Louisiana mosquitoes.

Abstract: This study will attempt to fill that gap between the feeding patterns of previously studied and known vec- tor mosquito species, to mosquitoes that may serve as vectors of arboviruses. The objective of this study will be to concentrate on feeding preferences of Ochlerotatus atlanticus/tormentor, Oc. canadensis, Oc. fulvus-pallens, Oc. infirmatus and Oc. dupreei. DNA will be extracted from the abdomens of blood-fed mosquitoes and amplified via PCR. Page 6 LeMaringouin

LMCA Research Fund Award Peggy Yo

Peggy Yo was born and raised in Indonesia. She is a medical doctor, having graduated from Christian University of Maranatha in Bandung, Indonesia. As a medical student, she worked as a teaching assistant at the department of Microbiology /Immunology, Chris- tian University of Maranatha and upon graduation worked as a lecturer within the same department. She was a practicing physician at Elim Policlinic and had her own private walk in clinic. In 1985 she received a scholarship from SEAMEO-TROPMED (South East Asia Ministers of Education Organization-Tropical Medicine) to be trained at the Insti- tute for Medical Research in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia and received a Diploma in Medical Microbiology. She then returned to Indonesia and continued teaching and practicing until 1988 when she received another scholarship from SEAMEO-TROPMED to pursue a Master in Medical Science in microbiology/immunology at the National University of Malaysia.

She began working in the USA in 1993, as a research associate at Diamedix Corporation (Miami) in developing ELISA diagnosis kits for infectious diseases such as herpes, rubella, toxoplasmosis, etc, and also several autoimmune diseases. From there she worked at various departments at the University of Miami, School of Medicine. Her research there included: the mechanism and kinetic activity of AZT and ddc in blood samples of HIV patients; molecular biology engi- neering of various genes related to lung cancer; and, enterotoxin A and B of Staphylococcus aureus.

In January 2007, she enrolled at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University. By May of 2008, she had received a Master of Science Degree in Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

While studying public health and tropical medicine, her interest in dengue hemorrhagic fever grew stronger. This led to her interest in wanting to investigate more aspects of dengue, including prevention and/or treatment of the disease. By January 2008 she started her pursuit of a PhD degree at the Tulane University, School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine. She would like to study whether dengue-infected gravid mosquitoes and non-infected gravid mosquitoes will display differences in oviposition behaviors in response to bioactive stimulants. Her investigation will focus on whether bamboo leaf and white oak leaf infusions will be more or less attractive to dengue infected gravid mosquitoes as com- pared to the gravid, non-infected mosquitoes.

Project Title - Oviposition responses of infected Aedes aegypti to bioactive stimulants

Abstract: Aedes aegypti is a competent vector for the arboviruses that cause yellow fever, dengue /dengue hemor- rhagic fever, and chikungunya. Success of this species is dependent on the female mosquito laying her eggs (oviposit ) in the water-filled human-made containers. The female mosquito seeking to oviposit has taken at least one blood meal, and should be considered infectious in areas where this species is a vector. Given these facts, the “older” (i.e. potentially infectious) females, are the most dangerous part of any population; selectively eradicating them should re- duce arbovirus transmission. Our laboratory is working to develop a lethal trap targeting these gravid female mosqui- toes. The work involves identifying, characterizing, and selectively testing behavior-modifying compounds, such as oviposition-site attractants and stimulants. Since it is unknown whether dengue-infected ovipositing females behave differently than uninfected females, this study will examine oviposition response in both groups to attractants and stimulants. Page 7 LeMaringouin

LMCA Research Fund Award Grant Aucoin

Grant Aucoin received his B.A. in Philosophy at Samford University, Birmingham, AL in July 2007. He has attended Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA since August of 2007. He received a graduate assistantship under Dr. Wayne Kramer studying West Nile virus and mosquitoes in the summer of 2008. He is a member of the ESA – Southeastern Branch, and competes in Linnean Games for LSU in this division. Grant intends to graduate in the fall of 2010.

Project Title: Spatial and temporal activity of Culex mosquitoes and West Nile virus (WNV) in East Baton Rouge parish, LA

Abstract: This study will monitor mosquito species populations, particularly Culex quinquefasciatus, and WNV activity at 1 location with 3 trap sites in East Baton Rouge Parish. It aims to examine the relationships between time of night, presence of virus, height and mosquito species in Louisiana. This information has the potential for further use in un- derstanding the activity of mosquito vectors of WNV in Louisiana. This information may be useful to mosquito control agencies in regards to surveillance and control strategies.

AMCA News

Legislative The US Solicitor General opined in opposition to the petitions that AMCA supported put forth from various industry organizations to have the Supreme Court review the recent 6th Circuit Court decision. In spite of this, we are hope- ful that the petition is eventually accepted by the Supreme Court. We should hear their decision by February 22nd. If accepted, oral arguments would be heard in October of this year.

Annual Meeting The 76th Annual Meeting of the American Mosquito Control Association will be held at the Lexington Center in Lex- ington, Kentucky from March 28 - April 1, 2010. This meeting will consist of presentations and exhibits that illustrate and highlight the latest science, technology and products used to conduct research and control vectors. This meeting also provides ample opportunities to network with vector control professionals, researchers and educators from around the world. Come celebrate AMCA's 75th Anniversary with us in Lexington! If you register before February 22nd, you will save $50. Go to www.mosquito.org for more information.

Other Dr. Tom Wilmot has been elected to serve as the next Vice President of the AMCA. He is the Director of Midland County (Michigan) Mosquito Control. We will take office at the Annual Meeting in Lexington, KY.

Dennis Wallette LMCA Workshop Country Inn and Suites March 16th to 18th, 2010 2727 Monroe Hwy 165 Pineville, Louisiana (888) 201-1746 Pre-Registration Form - Deadline March 5th

Name: Affiliation: Mailing Address: City & State: Zip Phone: ( ) Fax: ( ) Email:

Workshop Registration Fee (circle one)

Current LMCA Member $ 10.00 Non-Member $ 30.00

CASH OR CHECK ONLY No Purchase Orders, Billing or Credit Cards

Make Checks Payable to: Louisiana Mosquito Control Association

Mail to: Louisiana Mosquito Control Association 15483 Club Deluxe Rd Hammond, LA 70403 Phone: (985) 543-0454

The undersigned acknowledges and understands that, as a member of the LMCA, he/she has read and is expected to adhere to the standards of professional conduct set forth in the LMCA Code of Ethics (Page 9).

Members Signature: ______Date: ______

Printed Name: ______Page 9 LeMaringouin

Code of Ethics - for members of the Louisiana Mosquito Control Association

Mosquito control provides services which are increasingly important to the health, welfare and progress of society. Those employed in the mosquito control profession have the responsibility to render effective and professional service to humanity, in keeping with the high standards of ethical conduct. Therefore, in striving to advance and maintain the honor and dignity of the profession, the Louisiana Mosquito Control Association has established the following code to define the conduct and ethics due the profession. This code is binding on the membership of the LMCA.

LMCA members will use their knowledge and skill for the betterment of human welfare.

Members will, at all times, strive to maintain the public trust, and advance the standards and principles established by the LMCA.

Members will cooperate in the exchange of information and technology for the growth and progress of the mosquito control profession and the LMCA.

Members will not cause dishonor to the Association through their actions while representing the LMCA.

Members will promote solidarity, harmony and support among members and fellow workers. They will not undermine, vilify, berate or otherwise intentionally injure the work, accomplishments, efforts or professional reputation of an- other.

Members will not conduct or in any way participate in a fallacious review of the work of a fellow worker or other member.

Members will help defend and morally support others against unjust claims and accusations. They will defend the mos- quito control profession and report to the Board of Directors any member acting in a manner inconsistent with the policies and guidelines set forth by the LMCA.

Charges of any violation of this code on the part of any member will be reviewed by the LMCA Board of Directors and may, with a majority vote of the Board, result in, but not be limited to, censorship, loss of voting privileges within the Association, removal from committee membership and removal from membership in the Association.

Jefferson County, Texas Employment Opportunity

Job Title: Director Department: Mosquito Control Reports To: Commissioner’s Court Supervises: Mosquito Control Staff Starting Salary: $33.91/hr. or greater depending upon qualifications Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary: Manages the Mosquito Control Department, which functions to provide effective, cost efficient mosquito control and roadside weed control programs in Jefferson County.

Application Details Page 10 LeMaringouin

AMCA Annual Meeting

The 76th Annual Meeting of the American Mosquito Control Louisiana Mosquito Association will be held at the Lexington Center in Lexington, Control Association Kentucky from March 28 - April 1, 2010. This meeting will consist of presentations and exhibits that illustrate and highlight 15483 Club Deluxe Rd. the latest science, technology and products used to conduct Hammond, LA 70403 research and control vectors. This meeting also provides ample Phone: 985-543-0454 opportunities to network with vector control professionals, Fax: 985-543-0457 [email protected] researchers and educators from around the world. Come cele- brate AMCA's 75th Anniversary with us in Lexington!

www.lmca.us

Membership Today the LMCA is a support arm for these operations, those smaller city/community op- erators and all others interested in mosquito control. We provide a platform for educa- tional resources and opportunities through publications, meetings and workshops, as well as guidance and technical direction for those in need. Association leadership works closely with state regulators to assure competency within operations and vigilance on legislative matters. Through this we are able to uphold our mission of enhancing the quality of life through the suppression of mosquitoes for all here in Louisiana. Membership Form

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