American Mosquito Control Association Annual Meeting Declared a Success

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. — The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) wrapped up its 74th Annual Meeting with unprecedented attendance and a superior program, making this meeting a definite success. The AMCA Annual Meeting is the world’s leading event for researchers, educators, vector control professionals and students looking for the latest findings on mosquito research.

The AMCA Annual Meeting, held March 2-6, 2008, at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks, Nev. drew a crowd of nearly 1,000 attendees. Those attending gained valuable knowledge through the numerous presentations, exhibits, and equipment demonstrations that highlighted the latest science, technology, and products used to conduct research and control vectors.

Sessions of particular interest this year included:

• The unveiling of a nationwide West Nile Virus awareness program entitled “I’m One”
• Discussions on the operational side of mosquito control
• The potential for the introduction of a second generation of emerging vector-borne diseases into North America
• Supplemental mosquito control programs following hurricanes Katrina and Rita
• Emergency mosquito and mosquito-borne disease control
• Insect repellent as a public health strategy
• An educational outreach program at the Lincoln Park Elementary School

More than one million people die from mosquito-borne diseases worldwide every year. Indeed, since 1999 upwards of 27,000 cases of West Nile Virus, with nearly 11,000 cases of neuroinvasive disease and 1,000 fatalities have occurred in the United States. That’s why the world’s leading authorities on mosquitoes, entomology, and public health gather ever year at the AMCA Annual Meeting to evaluate research and recent findings, discuss abatement technologies, learn more about the latest products and services available and make predictions for the upcoming mosquito season.

The lineup of speakers and the opportunity for networking has made this the must go to event for professionals in the field.

“This meeting provides an unmatched opportunity to exchange information on current and emerging discoveries, forge new collaborations and identify future opportunities in the field,” said Gene Payne, president of AMCA. “The AMCA Annual Meeting provides the most comprehensive source of information in the world on vector-borne diseases, mosquito biology, and mosquito control,” said Payne.