Heartworm is a potentially fatal condition caused by a filarial nematode (Dirofilaria immitus) that invades and occupies the canine heart and pulmonary arteries. Dogs and coyotes are most susceptible to infection, but cats and occasionally other mammals may also be affected. The parasitic worms are transmitted by the bite of an infected western treehole mosquito (Aedes sierrensis).  Although…

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease was first discovered in 1937 in the blood of an infected individual in Uganda (Africa), In 1999, It was detected in New York City in 1999; since then the virus has spread across the continental United States and is well established in most states, including California. WNV was able to spread rapidly across the United States primarily because it…

St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) that causes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).

Malaria is one of the most widespread and destructive infectious diseases of humans in the world. This potentially deadly disease is caused by tiny protozoan parasites (Plasmodium) that are spread to humans by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. These parasites require both a human and mosquito host to develop. There are four different species of Plasmodium that cause disease in humans, and…