Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism, with more than one million people dying from mosquito-borne diseases every year. Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans, they also transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to. Attendees of the AMCA Annual Meeting gather to evaluate research and recent findings, discuss abatement technologies, learn more about the latest products and services available and make predictions for the upcoming mosquito season.
THE PROGRAM.
Held annually, the AMCA Annual Meeting consists of presentations, exhibits and equipment demonstrations that illustrate and highlight the latest science, technology and products used to conduct research and control vectors. Sessions of particular interest this year include:
- History of Mosquito Control – Presented by Dr. Gordon Patterson of the Florida Institute of Technology.
- Mosquitoes and Plants – Providing valuable insight into which are more likely to attract or repel mosquitoes.
- Latin American Symposium – World’s largest symposium for vector control in Central and South America.
- Deployed War fighter Protection Program – Find out how our troops in Iraq/Afghanistan are being protected from disease.
- Attractants and Repellents – Be the first to hear of the latest developments in mosquito trap lures and consumer repellents.
- Global Vector Issues – Learn more about malaria, dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Mosquito experts will be on-hand at the Annual Meeting, including: Dr. Graham White, former professor at the London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and a world authority on malaria and dengue; Dr. Gordon Patterson, Florida Institute of Technology; Dr. Ulrich Bernier, a world authority on attractants and repellents; Dr. Gary Clark, a noted authority on dengue fever; and Dr. Roger Nasci of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an expert on West Nile virus in the US.
Additionally, as part of the Annual Meeting, a number of attendees will participate in “Mosquito Day with the AMCA,” at Shingle Creek Elementary School in Orlando on Tuesday, April 3. The program will include a 45-minute classroom presentation related to mosquitoes and mosquito control. In addition, there will be tables set up with live mosquitoes and various mosquito and mosquito control related items to allow for hands-on interaction by the students. These provide excellent visuals for broadcast media.
The American Mosquito Control Association is an international, scientific association dedicated to providing leadership, information, and education leading to the enhancement of health and quality of life through the suppression of mosquitoes and other vector transmitted diseases. Founded in 1935, membership extends to more than 50 countries, and includes individuals and public agencies engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities.
For more information about AMCA or the 73rd Annual Meeting, contact: 15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C, Mt. Laurel NJ 08054; phone: 856-439-9222; fax: 856-439-0525; email: amca@mosquito.org or visit the Web site at www.mosquito.org.