VECTOR Library launches to strengthen response to vector-borne disease threats

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As the United States observes Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May, public health and extension professionals across the country have a powerful new tool at their fingertips: the VECTOR Library, a centralized digital database of more than 1,400 educational materials on vector-borne diseases collected from the Cooperative Extension System across all U.S. states and territories.

The VECTOR Library — short for Vector Education, Communication and Training Online Resources — is designed to improve access to science-based strategies for preventing and controlling diseases and conditions associated with ticks, mosquitoes and other arthropods.

Penn State, The Ohio State University and the University of Tennessee developed the database as part of the VectorED Network, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded Regional Training and Evaluation Center led by Penn State Extension. Institutions in the network also include the University of Delaware, the University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia Wesleyan College.

“May is the perfect month to introduce the VECTOR Library,” said Erika Machtinger, the VectorED Network project director, leader of the Penn State Extension vector-borne disease team and associate professor of entomology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. “Historically, mid-May marks the national peak onset for Lyme disease cases. Public health officials, educators and community members are already seeking prevention information, and now they can access and distribute educational materials ahead of the high-risk summer season.”

Lyme disease remains the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the United States. Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top three states for tick-borne disease cases. As climate change and global travel expand the reach of vectors that can transmit disease-causing pathogens, the need for up-to-date, accessible education becomes more urgent, Machtinger noted.

In 2023, Penn State was named the lead institution for one of five national Vector-Borne Disease Regional Training and Evaluation Centers, with the VectorED Network receiving an estimated $6.25 million in CDC funding over five years. The network is aimed at leveraging the Cooperative Extension System across regions to target audiences most affected by vector-borne diseases.

“When I established the Penn State Extension vector-borne disease team in 2019, we identified a critical need for effective, targeted messaging on vector prevention and control strategies,” Machtinger said.

The VECTOR Library addresses a longstanding challenge: While many excellent educational materials existed at individual land-grant institutions, they were scattered and hard to find, Machtinger said. The new database brings resources together into one searchable platform, allowing users to filter by state, vector, target audience, product or material type, language and other metrics.

The VECTOR Library serves a wide range of users, including extension educators, public health officials, pest and vector management professionals, veterinary professionals, agricultural workers and community members.

Educators can find age-appropriate teaching resources about vectors and disease prevention. Vector management professionals can access technical materials to improve control practices. Agricultural workers can locate information about protecting themselves and livestock. Community members can find practical guidance on preventing vector-borne diseases in their daily lives.

Vector-borne disease risks vary widely by location, and so do the best prevention and control methods, according to the researchers. The database ensures users have access to both regionally specific resources and the collective expertise of the national Extension system.

“Including materials from all Cooperative Extensions and U.S. territories is crucial,” Machtinger said. “This comprehensive approach prevents duplication of efforts, promotes consistent messaging across regions and ensures that even remote or underserved areas have access to high-quality educational materials tailored to their specific vector challenges. It also capitalizes on the trust that Extension has built over 100 years in communities across the country.”

The VECTOR Library’s design also supports quick response during outbreaks or seasonal surges. Local health departments can locate regionally appropriate educational materials in multiple languages to distribute during disease outbreaks. Extension educators can access ready-to-use presentations, fact sheets and demonstration materials for community workshops on prevention strategies. Schools can find curriculum materials to teach students about safe outdoor practices.

The VECTOR Library also contributes to the wider goals of the Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences — often referred to as SAFES — housed in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Through SAFES, Penn State supports interdisciplinary research and engagement efforts on complex public and environmental health issues. “A One Health Approach to Vector-Borne Disease” is one of the institute’s designated Critical Issue Initiatives and supports integrated research and extension projects focused on reducing the burden of these illnesses.

“The most important message about preventing vector-borne disease is that prevention is both possible and effective with the right knowledge and tools,” Machtinger said. “The first step for folks to protect themselves from ticks and mosquitoes is to learn about personal protection, identification and biology of vectors, and options for controlling vectors in the environment. After that, they need to use that knowledge to practice vector-bite prevention methods. All of that information can be found in the VECTOR Library.”

As climate change continues to alter vector distributions and public health threats evolve, tools such as the VECTOR Library will play an essential role in keeping communities informed, prepared and protected, Machtinger pointed out.

“By breaking down silos between institutions and regions, this tool enables rapid sharing of best practices and evidence-based materials nationwide,” she said. The next phases of the VECTOR Library include adding resources from state and national public health organizations and other academic sources.

Penn State Extension’s vector-borne disease team offers an abundance of resources on ticks and mosquitoes, including information about common ticks and mosquitoes in Pennsylvania, vector-borne diseases, and vector management.

For up-to-date information about the network, visit the VectorED Network website.