The Center for Vector Biology at Rutgers University will be hosting “The International Symposium on the Asian Tiger Mosquito: Ecology, Evolution, Epidemiology and Control”, 12-13 February 2009. The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is among the most invasive of all species and a competent laboratory vector of over 30 arboviruses including Rift Valley fever and Chikungunya. Thus, as well as being an important biting pest this species also has enormous agricultural and public health implications.           

The Symposium’s overall goal is to set the future direction for Asian tiger mosquito research by identifying and proposing solutions to important obstacles in the study and control of these highly invasive pests. Eighteen leaders, from six countries, in the field of Asian tiger mosquito research have been invited to speak. The meeting will be strongly interdisciplinary, bringing together workers from industry, extension, government, academia, and mosquito control agencies. Participants will identify research problems to be resolved, work out potential solutions to these challenges, and how these new solutions might be implemented through collaborative multidisciplinary team efforts. The Symposium will provide opportunities for active participation by students, postdocs and others by offering poster presentations. For further information regarding the Symposium, please contact, Mark Nelder at vbcenter@rci.rutgers.edu and visit http://vectorbio.rutgers.edu/ for future updates.

Thursday, Feb 12
Symposium sessions on Biology and Ecology and Molecular Biology.

Friday, Feb 13
Symposium sessions on Surveillance and Control and Parasite-Vector Interactions

Poster sessions will be held both days.
Poster instructions will be available shortly or contact Kristen Bartlett-Healy at vbcenter@rci.rutgers.edu

Registration details coming soon.