WRAIR’s Entomology Branch is at the forefront of protecting military personnel from vector-borne diseases that threaten force health protection and readiness. Our team of experts specializes in the surveillance, control, and mitigation of disease-carrying arthropods. Through cutting-edge research we develop and refine countermeasures to safeguard Warfighters in varied environments.  
 
Our Capabilities & Research Areas: Insecticide Resistance & Vector Control, Vector Control & Countermeasures, Spatial Repellent Testing & Personal Protection Evaluation, Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance & Diagnostics, Mapping & Predictive Modeling, Insectary Core Capabilities, and Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) Models.
 
Our team consists of entomologists specializing in mosquitoes, sand flies, ticks, and other harmful arthropods. By combining field expertise with laboratory innovations, we provide mission-critical solutions to mitigate vector-borne disease threats in military settings.  Through our dedication to research, innovation, and operational readiness, the Entomology Branch remains a DoD  leader in protecting military personnel from vector-borne health threats.

Research Areas

Bite Protection and Pest Management

Wound Infection PhotoWRAIR's Insectary investigates countermeasures like skin and spatial repellents as well as treated fabrics to protect Soldiers from bites.

Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) Model

Diarrheal Diseases PhotoWRAIR’s Insectary developed the world’s first CHMI model in 1985 where human subjects are exposed to a curable form of malaria to test new antimalarials and vaccines. WRAIR has performed over 100 challenges on over 2,200 volunteers over its 30-year history.

 

 

Sand Fly Repository

Wound Infection PhotoWRAIR hosts and maintains the largest sand fly repository in the world, with about 15 colonies available to researchers through an NIH-funded repository.

Insectary

Diarrheal Diseases Photo

To support drug and vaccine efforts like the CHMI or the Zika vaccine, WRAIR's entomologists are capable of maintaining and breeding up to 10,000 Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes per week.


Visit the Insectary's Page