Armed Forces Pest Management Board
AFPMB recommends policy, guidance, and coordinates the exchange of information on all matters related to pest management throughout the Department of Defense
- Recent investigation reveals a high diversity of Rickettsia species in ticks beyond Rocky Mountain spotted fever. For military medicine, this highlights the need for broader diagnostic awareness when treating personnel stationed in wooded training environments. academic.oup.com/jme/article-...
- Nominations are open for the 2026 David Cooksey PestVet of the Year Award! This is a great chance to recognize a U.S. military veteran who has demonstrated excellence and selfless service within the pest management industry. www.npmapestworld.org/your-busines...
- The FY2026 NDAA establishes a new Biotechnology Management Office to accelerate the development of bio-based defense solutions. This means new support for biomanufacturing innovative pest controls and enhanced intelligence sharing on biological threats. www.biotech.senate.gov/press-releas...
- The 2026 outlook for IPM focuses on AI-driven advisory systems, drone-based surveillance, and biological controls like entomopathogenic fungi. Precision technology is now a primary driver in reducing pesticide use while maintaining force protection. farmonaut.com/usa/pest-far...
- New research shows that deforestation in the Atlantic Forest is driving mosquito species to seek human blood as their preferred hosts disappear. This highlights an increasing risk of new disease vectors emerging in changing environments. www.popsci.com/environment/...
- Recent investigation reveals a high diversity of Rickettsia species in ticks beyond Rocky Mountain spotted fever. For military medicine, this highlights the need for broader diagnostic awareness when treating personnel stationed in wooded training environments. academic.oup.com/jme/advance-...
- The NPMA has named ticks the 2025 Pest of the Year. With ER visits for bites at a 5-year high and the rise of Alpha-gal syndrome, it is a critical time for the AFPMB to reinforce the use of treated uniforms and personal protective measures (PPM) across the Force. www.pestworld.org/multimedia-c...
- Health officials report a surge in Chikungunya cases among travelers returning from the Caribbean and Cuba. With 2025 cases rising, military personnel traveling to tropical regions must prioritize mosquito bite prevention to maintain readiness and avoid infection. www.unmc.edu/healthsecuri...
- Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in mass-producing synthetic "brochosomes"—nanostructures used by leafhoppers to hide. This discovery paves the way for new bio-inspired camouflage and optical coatings for military equipment and personnel. www.psu.edu/news/materia...
- New research in the Journal of Medical Entomology shows dry ice-baited traps significantly outperform traditional cloth drags for capturing Ixodidae ticks. This finding offers military entomologists a more efficient method for field surveillance and risk assessment. academic.oup.com/jme/advance-...
- Globalization means vector threats can hitch a ride. Surveillance is paramount: exotic tick species from Central America, Europe, and Africa are being intercepted on returning travelers. Vigilance is critical at ports of entry to protect CONUS and global force health. ysph.yale.edu/news-article...
- UVA Health confirms first death linked to tick-borne alpha-gal meat allergy. Lone Star tick bites can sensitize individuals to the sugar alpha-gal, causing fatal anaphylaxis risk. Prioritize surveillance and soldier education on tick avoidance! newsroom.uvahealth.com/2025/11/13/1...
- AGS, the tick-linked meat allergy, is rapidly rising across the U.S. and spreading beyond the Southeast. The expansion of the lone star tick's range demands increased surveillance and education on tick bite prevention to maintain troop health and mission readiness. www.vcuhealth.org/news/vcu-res...
- The invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito, a vector for dengue, Zika, and yellow fever, is spreading into new territory in Northern California. This species highlights the critical need for vigilant surveillance & rapid response to protect personnel readiness. abcnews.go.com/US/invasive-...
- AI is the new force multiplier in medical entomology. From autonomous robot dogs tracking tick hotspots to machine learning identifying novel antimicrobials, this tech is accelerating vector control & readiness for the Warfighter. ag.purdue.edu/news/2025/10...
- FY26 DWFP (Deployed Warfighter Protection Program) DEADLINE UPDATE! Due to the government shutdown, the Pre-Application deadline is extended to Nov 28, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Full proposals due Mar 25, 2026. Submit early via the EBRAPS website. ebrap.org/eBRAP/public...
- IL's first Powassan virus case reported! 🚨 This serious, sometimes fatal, tick-borne virus is spread by the black-legged tick. With 36 cases from 9 states reported this year, military entomologists must stay vigilant in their tick surveillance and control efforts. dph.illinois.gov/resource-cen...
- New data for Targeted Indoor Residual Spraying (TIRS) vs. Aedes aegypti! Major trial shows TIRS reduces mosquitos by 60% & community dengue cases by 24%. A proactive strategy that directly targets the indoor-resting vector. Critical for MilEnto in endemic areas. news.emory.edu/features/202...
- Invasive Threat Alert! 🚨 Asian longhorned tick (H. longicornis) confirmed in Kansas. Now in 21 states, this parthenogenetic tick threatens livestock with bovine theileriosis & is linked to Bourbon/ehrlichiosis! Vigilance is key. Read more @ www.kmbc.com/article/asia...
- First locally acquired chikungunya case in NY: Long Island woman infected. Confirms spread of Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) to NY. A stark reminder for military entomologists to be vigilant about mosquito-borne virus surveillance in the US. www.health.ny.gov/press/releas...
- Navy Entomologists are officers & subject matter experts, mitigating arthropod disease risk that has historically caused more casualties than combat. Early career Navy entomologists share their experiences.. entomologytoday.org/2025/09/25/g...
- 🚨 DWFP Research Funding Alert! Apply for the DOD FY26 Deployed Warfighter Protection Program. Seek innovative research to protect troops from disease vectors. Max $975K. Pre-Application Due: Nov 5, 2025. Learn more on eBRAP: ebrap.org #DODResearch #VectorControl
- Army airfields deploy "Coyote Rovers," low-cost robotic coyotes on RC vehicles, to deter wildlife and prevent costly, dangerous bird strikes. Field tests proved effective in clearing runways. This tech boosts flight safety and operational readiness for the military. www.thomasnet.com/insights/u-s...
- New CDC web-course on Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) for healthcare pros is available. Learn about AGS epi, diagnostics, management, and tick bite prevention. Understanding this tick-borne allergy is crucial for military personnel readiness and health. Free CE/CME. www.train.org/cdctrain/cou...
- New CA Vector-Borne Disease Report: West Nile virus down, but dengue cases up (18 local, 720 travel-assoc.). Aedes aegypti established in 25 counties. Surveillance on plague and hantavirus ongoing. Protecting personnel is key to readiness. westnile.ca.gov/pdfs/VBDSAnn...
- Global dengue cases have surpassed 4 million in 2025, with local transmission now reported in France and Italy. This highlights the ever-evolving threat of vector-borne disease spread and the need for constant surveillance to protect our personnel. www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/dengue-mo...
- Vector surveillance is key! A recent study highlights the increasing prevalence of tick-borne diseases like Lyme and Heartland virus in the U.S., even in areas not historically affected. Proactive data collection and risk mapping are essential for protecting our forces. www.unc.edu/discover/bat...
- New CDC findings confirm Chagas disease is now endemic to the U.S. and highlights the importance of continued vector surveillance. It’s a reminder that global health threats can become local, and military entomologists must stay vigilant in protecting our forces. www.ksdk.com/article/news...
- An interesting approach to vector control is being piloted in Sacramento, where sterile male mosquitoes are released to prevent the hatching of eggs from invasive Aedes aegypti. www.capradio.org/articles/202...
- Celebrating 30 years, the Medical Surveillance Monthly Report is a vital resource for tracking health threats. It provides data on illnesses, including vector-borne diseases and venomous animal encounters, to support #ForceHealthProtection and #Readiness. health.mil/News/Article...
- New biosurveillance tools like ESSENCE are enhancing #ForceHealthProtection by giving epidemiologists near real-time data on illnesses at sea. This tech allows for early outbreak detection & better decision-making to maintain warfighter readiness. www.dvidshub.net/news/547623/...
- At the Defense Health Information Technology Symposium, military health leaders discussed the importance of AI governance to securely innovate and adopt digital tools. These tools are key to improving patient outcomes & bolstering warfighter readiness. www.health.mil/News/Dvids-A...
- Learn about tick identification, biology, and control in this free online course from the University of Florida. Ideal for pest management and public health professionals. CEUs for FL & CA are pending renewal. ifas-secvbd.catalog.instructure.com/courses/onli...
- Mission-ready intel for force health protection. The VECTOR Library is a new hub with 1400+ free, expert-vetted resources on vector-borne disease control. An essential tool for military entomologists focused on keeping personnel safe. www.vector-education.org/vector-library
- U.S. confirms nation's first travel-associated human screwworm case connected to Central American outbreak www.reuters.com/business/env...
- Insecticide resistance is rising in disease-carrying mosquitoes in the northeastern U.S., threatening public health. The NEVBD is monitoring species like Culex pipiens to ensure control methods remain effective. Learn about their findings. solutions.mosquito.org/mosquito-res...
- The Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Entomology 2025, will take place from November 9-12, 2025 in Portland, OR. Registration is now open. www.entsoc.org/events/annua...
- The lone star tick is inducing a red meat allergy known as alpha-gal syndrome. This fascinating article details the discovery, which linked the allergy to a cancer drug reaction. A growing Force Health Protection concern as the tick's range expands. www.the-scientist.com/the-alpha-ga...
- The invasive Asian longhorned tick has been found in Maine for the first time. This species is a threat to pets, livestock, and wildlife, as a single female can reproduce without a mate. Mainers are urged to be vigilant and report any unusual ticks. www.wmtw.com/article/inva...
- A recent iScience study reports 7 exotic tick species introduced to the US via travelers (2019-2023). Notably, two Amblyomma mixtum nymphs tested positive for Rickettsia amblyommatis, highlighting an urgent need for enhanced biosurveillance and pathogen screening. medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08...
- From enlisted soldier to entomology researcher, Staff Sgt. Luka Ndungu's journey highlights the Army's commitment to cultivating internal talent. He earned his Ph.D. from USU and is now commissioning as an officer, helping to combat future threats. news.usuhs.edu/2025/07/from...
- Army scientists at Aberdeen Proving Ground hosted the inaugural Bug Camp for local students. The free, two-day camp taught kids about entomology, invasive species, and careers in science through hands-on activities, sparking an interest in real-world science. www.dvidshub.net/news/544994/...
- Brazil is tackling a massive dengue outbreak fueled by urban growth. The country is using innovative vector control, including releasing sterile male mosquitoes and those with Wolbachia bacteria to curb reproduction, alongside vaccination programs. www.npr.org/sections/goa...
- Drones are releasing sterile mosquitoes in Hawaii to combat avian malaria, a new tool in the fight against vector-borne diseases. This innovative approach to mosquito control could have future applications for protecting our forces. edition.cnn.com/science/hawa...
- USDA launches a 5-pronged plan to combat New World Screwworm. Key initiatives include an $8.5M sterile fly dispersal facility in TX, bolstering the biosecurity barrier with Mexico, and enhancing SIT production. www.usda.gov/about-usda/n...
- Public health & vector control pros: Don't miss APMEN's free online training on Vector Surveillance! Gain key insights from Aug 5-7, 2025. Secure your spot now: tiny.cc/APMEN-VST
- Attention Military Entomologists: Monitor the emerging co-infection threat of Lyme & Babesiosis from Ixodes scapularis ticks in the mid-Atlantic. This presents a growing risk to force readiness & complicates diagnostics. Leverage the MilTICK program for surveillance. www.army.mil/article/2869...
- This new drone mimics insects for stealth surveillance. Equipped with cameras & sensors, it poses a new covert intel threat. This development raises significant force protection concerns, necessitating novel counter-surveillance strategies for the U.S. military. dronelife.com/2025/07/09/c...
- Season's severe for ticks! Military entomologists, know regional risks: Lyme (NE/Mid-Atl), Ehrlichiosis/Rickettsiosis (SE), Alpha-gal. Use permethrin-treated gear, check daily, remove ticks fast. Early detection is vital for troop health. Stay vigilant! www.npr.org/2025/06/23/n...
- Rare, severe Powassan virus, transmitted by black-legged ticks, is intensifying in WI. Mil-ento must prioritize surveillance, tick bite prevention, & rapid response for force health protection. fox11online.com/news/state/w...
