Vectors, Insects, Rodents, and Other Pests

A vector is any organism that can transmit disease-causing agents, such as a virus or bacterium. Control of the vector can prevent and control some diseases. However, in order to control vectors, detailed knowledge must be acquired about their life cycle, preferred hosts and transmission cycles as well as surveillance of populations and habitats. 

Most vector-borne diseases in the U.S. are animal diseases that are sometimes spread to humans. Often the disease in humans is worse than in the animals.  Different vectors may spread the disease from animal to animal or from animal to humans.

In the United States, mosquitoes, flies, fleas and ticks are vectors of disease.

To learn more about mosquitos, please click here.

To learn more about flies, please click here.

To learn more about fleas, please click here.

To learn more about ticks, please click here.