80 - La Crosse virus vectors in Appalachia: where do they come from, where do they go?

Aedes triseriatus is the primary vector of La Crosse virus (LACV) – the etiologic agent of La Crosse encephalitis (LACE). In spite of its medical importance, there are significant gaps impeding effective surveillance methods for adults of the species. Here we synthesize a number of field studies conducted in our laboratory and within a LACE endemic region of western North Carolina and describe our current rationale for surveillance methods and their effective yields. The results of two trap-type studies investigating BG-Sentinels, gravid traps, Fay-Prince, CO₂-baited CDC light traps, and the BG-Pro traps are presented in the context of Ae. triseriatus surveillance for La Crosse virus. The results of four field studies using ovitraps and/or large-bore aspirators are likewise summarized and presented. Entomologic surveillance recommendations for Ae. triseriatus and other LACV virus vectors (e.g., Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus) are provided based on these studies. Resting behavior knowledge gaps are also identified and presented in the context of barriers to potential control strategies.