To date, West Nile Virus (WNV) has not been recorded from the state of Arkansas. However, large numbers of potential avian hosts migrate into Arkansas where formidable numbers of likely mosquito vectors proliferate. Hence, the potential exists for WNV to appear in the state. A cooperative arbovirus surveillance program was organized among the Arkansas Department of Health, University of Arkansas, and Vector Disease Control Incorporated to begin monitoring for WNV. Mosquitoes were collected with gravid and CDC light traps, as well as aspirated from resting locations throughout Arkansas between June and September, 2001. Mosquitoes were identified, pooled into species-specific samples, and shipped to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for virus isolation. Mosquitoes were also tested for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and St.Louis encephalitis (SLE), both of which are currently found in Arkansas.
Keywords: West Nile Virus, Arkansas
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA