Parasitic Arthropod Vector Borne Diseases

3 credits · Undergraduate

Climate change is having a major impact on the distribution and abundance of parasitic arthropods and the pathogens they carry. This course examines the diversity, ecology, and evolution of parasitic arthropods, focusing primarily on insects (e.g., mosquitoes, midges, fleas, flies, lice, and bugs) and acarines (ticks and mites), and the role that some of these arthropods play as vectors and hosts of pathogens (protozoa, bacteria, and viruses) that cause disease in humans, livestock, companion animals and wildlife. Emphasis will also be placed on how climate change is changing the distribution of arthropod vectors and changes in the risk of human and animal infections. We will also examine the approaches used to identify, control, and monitor parasitic arthropods.