Black Bear Research:
Disease surveillance in black bear populations in being conducted in conjunction with Oklahoma State University and the Samuel R. Nobel Foundation. Seroprevalence is being determined from black bears trapped in southeastern Oklahoma for the following diseases- Francisella tularensis, Trypanosoma cruzi, Brucella spp., porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and pseudorabies virus (PRV).
Stegomyia Survey in the West Texas Panhandle:
This research aims to establish the species distribution and characteristics of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus (subgroup Stegomyia) in counties where data is currently not available. This research is to determine areas potentially at risk for local transmission of zika, chikungunya, and dengue viruses via the presence or absence of these disease vectors.
Feral Hog Research:
Research is being conducted on the seroprevalence of multiple pathogens from feral hog populations trapped on the Texas-Oklahoma border along the Red River. Current research is focused on determining the seroprevalence of Francisella tularensis, Trypanosoma cruzi, Brucella spp., porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), pseudorabies virus (PRV), and Neospora caninum. Future research will include the screening of fetuses for transplacental transmission of canine neosporosis. Previous research also included disease surveillance of Yersinia pestis (plague) and Coxiella burnetii (Q fever).
EHDV Deer Research:
A vaccine efficacy trial is being conducted to determine efficacy and use in the prevention of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus in deer. EHDV is an important pathogen of white-tailed deer and cervids throughout North America and is one of the most devastating and costly pathogens to the white-tailed deer and cervid farming industry.
Seasonal Mosquito Trapping:
Ongoing, seasonal mosquito trapping is conducted yearly around the City of Lubbock. Surveillance activities include mosquito identification and screening for Flavivirus and West Nile Virus in the Lubbock, Texas area.
Insecticide-resistance:
In conjunction with the Texas Department of State Health Services, 50 jurisdictions throughout Texas are being surveyed to determine if currently utilized public-health related mosquito-control insecticides are effective. Research is initially focused on the important disease vectors, Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. This will provide a better understanding of where insecticide-resistance is occurring and against which specific insecticides to provide vector control departments the necessary information to effectively control mosquito populations in their area.
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Box 41163 • Lubbock, Texas 79409-1163 • U.S.A.
Office: 806-834-8260 or 806-885-0236 Fax: 806-885-2132 Email: steve.presley@ttu.edu
Steven M. Presley, Ph.D.