60 - Autocidal-icious adventures in mass rearing: Facilitating sterile- and incompatible-insect technologies within mosquito abatement districts

Abstract: Control professionals are facing an evolving landscape that includes changes in climate, regulatory, arbovirus and vector species diversity. Many abatement districts are seeking additional tools and methods against invasive and medically-important mosquitoes. Autocidal technologies make up a category of tools being considered and include classical Sterile Insect Technique, Auto-Dissemination and Wolbachia technologies. Multiple autocidal tools rely on mass rearing and inundative releases, and some districts currently lack the internal resources for mass rearing. This presentation will provide an overview of ongoing collaborative work intended to accelerate progress and provide districts with an ability to 'try out' and explore whether the new autocidal technologies meet with expectations and align with district needs.