38 - An assessment of adult mosquito trapping methods and molecular identification of blood meals in Cameron Park Zoo, Waco Tx.

Abstract:
Host preferences of female mosquitoes is an essential aspect of disease transmission cycles. In this study, we collected mosquitoes over a three-month period in Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas, using multiple trap types. We then identified mosquito species and blood meals using a DNA barcoding protocol. Our results indicate broad host choice in a public setting, establishing a baseline for future studies at this site and across the state.