Where Have All The Vector Programs Gone?

For decades, state and local public health agencies throughout the United States have experienced a steady loss of vector and pest control programs and capacity.  The ongoing economic crisis that began in 2008 has greatly expedited these losses with several states and many local public health agencies eliminating their vector control programs in entirety.  However, even when vector control programs or activities have been reduced or eliminated, environmental health programs are usually expected to respond to and mitigate vector or public health pest problems within the local community.

This presentation will discuss potential health impacts from the loss of vector and pest control programs and capacity throughout the country.  The presentation will also present activities that have been implemented by the CDC National Center for Environmental Health to provide the environmental health workforce with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively reduce health threats from disease vectors and public health pests.