PARTNER
SPOTLIGHT
Training an Interprofessional Workforce to respond to Vector‑Borne Diseases in the Gulf South
The Citrus County Mosquito Control District (CCMCD) is an independent special taxing district established in 1953, serving all of Citrus County in central Florida. We currently have a team of 27 staff members—and we’re looking for a summer intern to join us!
Our program uses an integrated mosquito management approach, with a strong focus on proactive larviciding. We keep track of mosquito populations through regular surveillance, including BG-Sentinel and CDC light traps. We also monitor mosquito-borne diseases through our sentinel chicken program, where we test for Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), West Nile virus (WNV), Highlands J virus (HJV), and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV).
Aerial larvicide applications by helicopter are an important part of our work, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Prevention is a big priority for us—we conduct insecticide resistance testing and focus on public education, especially our “Tip and Toss” message to help reduce mosquito breeding sites around the home. We also use Gambusia (mosquitofish) as a natural way to control mosquito larvae. Adulticide treatments using ultra-low volume (ULV) applications by truck or ATV are used when adult mosquito populations get especially high.
Find Citrus County Mosquito Control District Online
We’re active on social media, so be sure to follow us on Facebook and X for updates, events, and helpful tips. You can also learn more at www.citrusmosquito.org.
Contributing Author
Tarolyn Frisbie, Public Education Specialist
Citrus County Mosquito Control District
