AMCA Launches New Virtual Training on Integrated Mosquito Management Featuring VDCI Experts
The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) announced their new virtual training program, “Best Practices for Integrated Mosquito Management,” featuring two VDCI colleagues: Dr. Broox Boze, Ph.D., Director of Technical Services for VDCI and Deborah Bennett, GIS Project Manager.
Dr. Broox Boze, Ph.D and Chris Fredregill, M.S., serve as instructors for the course, alongside other industry professionals. Dr. Broox Boze, Ph.D., says, “This resource highlights VDCI’s commitment to promoting best management practices,” and Brook says she is “honored to be part of such an influential project alongside so many talented individuals.” Deborah Bennett, a GIS Specialist for VDCI, was foundational to the establishment of the course content and served as the industry expert for mapping and visualization of data.
Dr. Broox Boze, Ph.D. Module 11 (Adult Mosquito Control)
Dr. Broox Boze is the Director of Technical Services for Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) and has a Ph.D. from Colorado State University. As a specialist in mosquito emergency response, she has developed protocols and coordinated surveillance and management operations with various local, county, state, and federal organizations. When she is not coordinating emergency response activities, she oversees research and development activities for VDCI to ensure the intervention strategies used are environmentally friendly and avoid non-target effects. Boze currently serves as the Industry Director for the American Mosquito Control Association and is President of the West Central Mosquito and Vector Control Association.
Deborah Bennett Module 6 (Mapping and Data Management)
Deborah joined VDCI in 2003 as a GIS Specialist. Over the years, she has handled GIS data from over 60 ground contracts and over 35 aerial contracts in 15 states. Her emergency response work has included more than 20 hurricanes and tropical storms, and numerous West Nile Virus outbreaks, across the country. Deborah earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry from Eastern New Mexico University and her CPGIS from The Pennsylvania State University. In addition to working for VDCI, she held a Teaching Assistant position with The Pennsylvania State University in their GIS program for eight years. Deborah is proficient in ESRI’s ArcGIS, SkyTracker/Wingman, SatLoc, and AGNAV mapping programs. She is also an active member of the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control Association.
Integrated Mosquito Management Virtual Training Program
AMCA’s new virtual training program is designed to help mosquito control professionals protect public health by using a science-based approach to determine when to take action and what treatments to use. Throughout the course, participants will learn the importance of Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) programs and explore its five main components:
- Community engagement
- Collecting and using data
- Reducing potential larval habitat
- Using all control methods available and reasonable
- Regularly evaluating the efficacy of the program
The program features 24 expert instructors located throughout the U.S., Australia, and Puerto Rico. Once completed, colleagues have the opportunity to earn a professional certification.
Our Partnership with AMCA
The American Mosquito Control Association is the leading authority on setting the standard of care for protecting public and environmental health through knowledge and advocacy in vector management. AMCA’s mission is to enhance health and quality of life by suppressing vector-transmitted diseases and reducing mosquitoes and other public health pests by providing leadership, information, collaboration, tools, and education.
We are proud to be sustaining members of The American Mosquito Control Association. Our colleagues take an active role in the organization by serving on the board of directors and numerous committees. We attend annual meetings to give presentations, meet with other mosquito control professionals, and learn about the latest technologies in the industry. Through this partnership, we work to educate the public about mosquito-borne diseases and prevent the spread of illness.
How VDCI Protects Public Health
At VDCI, we believe everyone should have peace of mind while enjoying the outdoors. Our team of experts includes biologists, entomologists, environmental health, and mosquito specialists who work to protect public health through research, education, and community outreach. Our goal is to spread awareness of mosquito-borne diseases and promote best management practices in mosquito management. By working alongside city, county, and state governments, we can support public health and work to stop the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Contact Us to Build Your Mosquito Management Program:
Since 1992, Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) has taken pride in providing municipalities, mosquito abatement districts, industrial sites, planned communities, homeowners associations, and golf courses with the tools they need to run effective mosquito control programs. We are determined to protect the public health of the communities in which we operate. Our mosquito control professionals have over 100 years of combined experience in the field of public health, specifically vector disease control. We strive to provide the most effective and scientifically sound mosquito surveillance and control programs possible based on an Integrated Mosquito Management approach recommended by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). VDCI is the only company in the country that can manage all aspects of an integrated mosquito management program, from surveillance to disease testing to aerial application in emergency situations.