93rd MVCAC Conference

Trustee Session Announced

MVCAC Conference Hotel Scam Alert

Request for Mosquitofish Program Photographs

Send in Tick Program Updates

New Education and Outreach Factsheets Now Available

Grassroots Advocacy

News

Don’t miss your chance to join the MVCAC 93rd Annual Conference! This year’s event is packed with cutting-edge insights on mosquito control innovations, hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and DJ dancing and karaoke at our Tuesday evening banquet! From expert-led plenary sessions to interactive exhibits, this is your opportunity to gain actionable knowledge, build valuable connections, and contribute to a healthier, more hospitable world. Register now before rates go up! 

Upcoming Deadlines: 

Take advantage of early registration rates before they increase on December 26, 2024.

Hotel Room block closes on January 3, 2025 (or when full) 

The Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) is thrilled to host its 93rd Annual Conference, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and professionals dedicated to safeguarding public health. This year’s theme, "Vector Control - A Path to a More Hospitable World," underscores our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and impact. 

What to Expect: 

• Engaging Keynotes and Plenaries: Dive into the latest insights on mosquito ecology, generative AI in vector control, and security in drone-based applications. 
• Concurrent Sessions: Learn practical strategies ranging from media communication techniques to advanced vector surveillance and innovative mosquito control trials. 
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers at our Welcome Reception, Exhibit Hall, and social events. 

 

Highlights of the Agenda: 

• Sunday, January 26: Kickstart the conference with the MVCAC Outrunning Mosquitoes 5K, followed by a welcome reception in the Exhibit Hall. 
• Monday, January 27: Discover the future of mosquito control with talks on generative AI, dengue prevention strategies, and expert-led discussions. 
• Tuesday, January 28: Explore specialized tracks on resistance management, invasive species, and data visualization tools. In the evening, don’t miss the Banquet & Evening Program—a night to celebrate and unwind. Enjoy a delicious dinner followed by lively entertainment featuring a DJ and karaoke. Bring your best singing voice, dance moves, and plenty of energy for a night of fun and camaraderie! 
• Wednesday, January 29: Conclude with the MVCAC Board of Directors meeting. 

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to stay ahead in vector control innovations and connect with the community driving change. We hope to see you in Oakland! 

Please view our conference webpage for all information regarding registration, lodging and a draft agenda.

Get ready for an exciting Sunday afternoon at the MVCAC Conference Trustee Session from 1-5 PM! We’ll kick off at the Oakland Marriott (room TBD) with an engaging discussion led by VCJPA, showcasing their dynamic programs and services. Whether you are part of a member district or not in the JPA system, this session promises to be packed with valuable insights that you won't want to miss!



But that’s just the beginning! After the session, we’re heading out for an exhilarating field trip hosted by the Alameda Vector Control District. You'll dive into their wildlife and rodent program, observing their innovative practices in action and exploring their territory firsthand. This unique opportunity to see cutting-edge strategies at work will surely inspire new ideas and foster collaboration. 

Snacks and transportation are included, and you will all return with plenty of time to enjoy the opening reception in the exhibit hall.

MVCAC has become aware of companies contacting our exhibitors and possibly our members, falsely claiming to be a housing bureau authorized to secure rooms at the Oakland Marriott where the MVCAC Annual Conference will be taking place next year. We want to remind you to book your conference hotel room only through the official MVCAC booking link.

These entities may offer rooms at purportedly discounted rates. Please be aware that these are unauthorized third-party entities without any affiliation with MVCAC or the Oakland Marriott. They have no authority to make reservations on behalf of attendees.

These companies may book rooms for you at fully prepaid rates with no option for cancellation or changes, and they offer no support if issues arise with your reservation. They are essentially poachers of hotel room blocks.  

The only legitimate way to reserve accommodations for any MVCAC event is through the booking link provided directly by us in partnership with the hotel. Reservations made through any other means will not be credited within our block and could potentially put us in an attrition risk. 

We are actively monitoring this situation and urge you to inform us if you are contacted by such companies. Unfortunately, there is little recourse against their actions.

Booking through the official MVCAC booking link ensures both you and MVCAC are protected! Find the booking link here.

The MVCAC Mosquitofish and Biocontrol Subcommittee invites your District to share historic and current photos of your mosquitofish program for a special photomontage at the 2025 MVCAC Annual Meeting in Oakland. Please Click Here to submit your digitized photos. Highest resolution photos are encouraged and preferred. Please include your District name with all photos and submit by December 4, 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your program! 

For more information please contact either Mike Saba, msaba@ocvector.org or Mark Wieland, markw@mosquitoes.org.

Dear MVCAC Members,

As part of our ongoing efforts to support tick surveillance and Lyme disease prevention, please remember to provide any updates to your district’s tick programs to Paula Macedo, who is serving as our representative on the Lyme Disease Advisory Council. You can reach her at pmacedo@contracostamosquito.com.

Additionally, please contact DART to grant permission to share tick data with third parties. This collaboration will help strengthen our public health initiatives and contribute to a broader understanding of tick-borne disease risks across California.



Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued support in advancing our vector control efforts.

Best regards,

Conlin

The PR committee has developed two new factsheets to help MVCDs with their education and outreach efforts. One factsheet is designed to educate residents about the importance of maintaining their swimming pools to ensure they don’t produce mosquitoes. The other factsheet is for outreach to cemeteries to provide guidance to employees about how to reduce mosquitoes on cemetery grounds.

Now that the legislative session is over, legislators typically spend more time in their districts. This is great time to build and enhance relationships and invite legislators to tour your district. To learn more about the importance of grassroots advocacy please check out this slide deck and you can access MVCAC’s grassroots advocacy toolkit here.

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District is in the process of selling seven right hand drive Jeep Wranglers that have been used as catch basin treatment vehicles. These Jeeps were originally purchased from a private dealership who had previously purchased them via auction.

Our shop has outfitted them with strobe lights and augmented tailgate mounting hardware for tool boxes. The Jeeps have been regularly serviced since their arrival here, from basic oil changes and rotations to major repairs. These 2005 Jeeps range in mileage from 101,000 to 170,000. Our shop supervisor maintains repair records and could provide more information if needed.

Please contact our shop supervisor, Robert Fowler, at rfowler@fightthebite.net for more information.

Research Papers:

A scoping review to determine if adverse human health effects are associated with use of organophosphates for mosquito control

Special Collection: Chagas Disease and Kissing Bugs

Severe and Fatal Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever After Exposure in Tecate, Mexico — California

New World Screwworm: Latest Update from USDA-APHIS

Perspectives of Infectious Disease Physicians on Bartonella quintana Cases, United States, 2014–2024

DENGUE/DHF UPDATE (117): PUERTO RICO



Aedes aegypti control in breeding sites through an insecticidal coating with dual effect: Laboratory trials and safety assessment

Larval crowding enhances dengue virus loads in Aedes aegypti, a relationship that might increase transmission in urban environments.

Prevalence and Knowledge of Tick-Borne Disease Among Forest Management Workers in Santa Cruz, California

Industry News:

MosquitoMate receives first Vector Expedited Review Voucher (VERV) from the US Environmental Protection Agency

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just announced MosquitoMate as its first awardee in a new effort to fight the growing crisis of mosquito transmitted diseases. To help address the growing problem, in 2022 Congress mandated that the EPA create the Vector Expedited Review Voucher (VERV) program, which promotes new pesticidal measures against important mosquitoes. MosquitoMate is thrilled to be selected by the EPA and thankful to those agencies that championed the new VERV program, including the Duke University Global Health Institute and the Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) programs.

Read more

Note: MVCAC does not endorse the products below, but we do support our Sustaining Members

Central Life Sciences has announced the release of Aqua Zenivex™ E20, a reduced-risk adulticide for mosquito control professionals. 

Learn more