The Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station was established in 2009 and represents a joint venture between the Departments of Entomology and Environmental Sciences. It formally brings together the research, surveillance and diagnostic activities of our scientific and technical staff on arthropods of public health and veterinary importance and the infectious disease organisms they transmit in Connecticut and the northeastern United States. The mission of the Center is to advance our knowledge of the epidemiology and ecology of vectorborne disease organisms and to develop novel methods and more effective strategies for their surveillance and control.

The Center is currently engaged in laboratory and field research on the biology and control of mosquitoes, ticks and bedbugs and is investigating the epidemiology and ecology of a variety of mosquito- and tick-associated diseases that occur throughout the region including: eastern equine encephalitis, human babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, granulocytic anaplasmosis, Lyme disease and West Nile virus. The Center is additionally responsible for conducting the state-wide Mosquito and Arbovirus Surveillance Program for eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile viruses and testing of ticks for the Lyme disease agent.

The Center maintains several microbiology, pathology and molecular biology laboratories located at the main campus in New Haven and a Biosafety Level 3 containment facility. The Tick Identification, Testing and Information Laboratory and Insect Information Office are also located in New Haven, CT. Insectary facilities for maintaining insect and tick colonies are located at the Station’s 75-acre research farm, Lockwood Farm in Hamden, CT. A field station for conducting additional studies is located at the Griswold Research Center in Griswold/Voluntown, CT.

Core funding for the Center is provided from the State of Connecticut and federal Hatch funds administered by the United States Department of Agriculture. Research and surveillance activities are additionally supported by grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USDA Agricultural Research Service, and Northeastern Mosquito Control Association.

The Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEVBD)
neregionalvectorcenter.com

January 10, 2017--The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Receives Major Award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for Establishment of a “Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases” in partnership with Cornell University, Columbia University, and the New York State Department of Health

Mosquito Arbovirus Research and Surveillance Program Description