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: Vector Control & Countermeasures, Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance & Diagnostics, Mapping & Predictive Modeling, Arthropod Rearing & Containment, Pesticide Resistance Detection, Spatial Repellent Testing & Personal Protection Evaluation, Animal Model and Animal Protocol Development, Human Use Protocols, and Controlled Human Infection Models.

Our team consists of entomologists specializing in mosquitoes, sand flies, ticks, and other arthropods of military relevance. By combining field expertise with laboratory innovations, we provide mission-critical solutions to mitigate vector-borne disease threats in military contingency operations.  Through our dedication to research, innovation, and operational readiness, the Entomology Branch remains a DoW leader in protecting military personnel from vector-borne health threats.
 
 

Research Areas

      
         
   

Vector Control and Countermeasures

VCC evaluates vector control tools, protective products, and operational techniques designed to protect the warfighter from vector-borne disease threats. VCC also supports vector surveillance in operationally relevant settings to identify vector presences, assess disease risk, and inform force health protection strategies. These efforts provide the evidence base needed to guide the detection, deployment, and use of vector control countermeasures that enhance operational readiness and safeguard deployed forces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vector Research and Containment

VRCL maintains a long-established insectary under controlled environmental conditions suitable for mass-rearing a variety of vectors of military relevance.  Currently the laboratory is maintaining Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes for malaria research, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes for dengue research, and Phlebotomus arabicus, Phlebotomus duboscqi, Phlebotomus papatasi, Phlebotomus sergenti, and Lutzomyia longipalpis  sand flies to support the Biodefense and Emerging Infections Research Resources Repository.  This repository allows external entities to use these sand flies to support military relevant research, such as that of the Deployed Warfighter Protection Program and Program Executive Office Soldier, without the need for the laborious and specialized skills needed to rear and maintain the sand flies.  These vectors allow for quick and timely research to support the continuously evolving vector-borne threats to the military.

 
         

 

 

Vector One Health Diagnostics Lab

WRAIR’s OHVDL focuses on the critical interface between animal, environment, and human interface to identify address zoonotic, vector and other public health threats.  Using a One Health approach, the lab conducts advanced pathogen testing to detect infectious agents circulating in vectors, wildlife, domestic animals, and environmental systems that may impact military readiness. Leveraging cutting-edge genetic and genomic approaches, the lab undertakes real-time biosurveillance activities targeting a wide range of pathogens, vectors, and host organisms. These capabilities enable rapid detection, characterization, and monitoring of emerging and endemic disease threats.  In addition to diagnostics and biosurveillance, the lab conducts transmission and vector competence studies, evaluates transmission-blocking strategies, to diagnostics, the lab performs transmission and vector competency studies, and supports the development and evaluation of vaccines and therapeutics. By integrating surveillance, diagnostics, and experimental research, the lab provides scientific insight and technical capabilities that help strengthen preparedness and response to emerging vector-borne and zoonotic diseases.

 
         
   

Vector One Health Informatics

VOHI is focused on mapping global vector-borne disease threats to the Warfighter. We develop knowledge products that inform entomological surveillance operations detailing the vector threats including resources for identification, associated pathogens, and pesticide resistance status. We also implement a One Health approach to vector-borne disease risk assessment by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to elucidate connections between human, animal, and environmental health.

  
         
   

One Health

The One Health initiative provides strategic guidance that integrates human, animal and environmental health perspectives to address vector-borne and zoonotic disease risks. This initiative connects expertise across disciplines to inform surveillance priorities, research direction, and public health response. Through this collaboration framework, it strengthens and support entomology by aligning vector surveillance, diagnostics, and research efforts with broader One Health Priorities.