298 - Training and Professional Development Needs of Vector Surveillance and Control Professionals

Abstract: AMCA 2025 Presentation Proposal

Name: Aine Lehane

Symposium Topic: Socio-behavioral aspects of sustainable public health vector control

Title: Training and Professional Development Needs of Vector Surveillance and Control Professionals

Other authors: Emily Mader, Laura Harrington



Abstract: In the northeast United States there are multiple vector-borne diseases that impact public health. In this study, we surveyed publicly employed vector surveillance and control professionals in the northeastern US to assess training and professional development needs. We disseminated a Qualtrics survey with questions on demographics, employment sector, learning style preferences, and training needs on topic areas such as the ecology, epidemiology, and control of ticks and mosquitoes. A total of 90 professionals completed the survey from 12 states and the District of Columbia. The vast majority of participants reported that online workshops/webinars (82% of respondents) were the easiest training formats to engage with, while the hardest was in-person, multi-day workshops (28% of respondents). The most commonly reported barriers to accessing training were cost, time away from work, and obtaining travel approvals. Multiple mosquito-focused skill areas were reported as training priorities; the same was true of tick-focused skill areas.