The Biology Department at SCMAC performs a variety of tasks. The major responsibilities are mosquito population and mosquito-borne disease surveillance. This is accomplished using a variety of trapping, tracking, and sampling techniques. The Biology Department monitors mosquito-borne viral activity throughout Saginaw County through a variety of routine surveillance activities. Routine disease and mosquito surveillance encompasses the following programs:
- Sentinel Pheasant Serology
- Dead Corvid Reporting, Collection & Disease Testing
- Mosquito Species Identification and Population Densities
- Adult Surveillance
- Larval and Pupal Surveillance
- Testing of Mosquitoes for Arthropod-Borne Disease
Detection of mosquito-borne disease in Saginaw County is an important part of our work. SCMAC samples for the following mosquito-borne viral activity: St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE), California Encephalitis virus (CEV), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and West Nile virus (WNV).
An arboviral disease testing laboratory was established through a cooperative agreement between SCMAC and Michigan State University (MSU). Serology and mosquito pools are tested for mosquito control districts, public health departments, and other interested parties.
Quality control is performed by the Biology Department ensuring an effective and responsible control program. New and existing insecticide formulations are routinely tested on native mosquito populations to assure that the most effective and environmentally responsible products are utilized. Adulticiding equipment is tested monthly establishing correct equipment calibration. All adulticiding equipment must adhere to flow rates and droplet characterizations as mandated on the product label. Field treatment crews are also monitored to ensure effective, consistent, and high quality mosquito control.
Research is conducted by SCMAC on a yearly basis. Only through improved knowledge and understanding of mosquitoes, mosquito-borne diseases, insecticides, and application equipment and techniquesare we able to enhance our integrated pest management program.