This talk will focus on two sets of studies of vector-borne infections: The first will discuss the ZAIVE trial (Zooprophylaxis-aided ivermectin-based vector elimination) which assessed the use of ivermectin (a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug) for anopheline vector control by mass treatment of cattle. A combination of insectary studies and a communityrandomized trial were used together, to address residual malaria transmission in central Vietnam. The second section will discuss an on-going NIH funded study using GPS data loggers in Western Massachusetts to identify and quantify specific geographic locations where the majority of human-tick interactions may occur to allow for targeted and impactful health programs.
Dr. Lover is an assistant professor of epidemiology, in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, at University of Massachusetts- Amherst. His research over the last decade has focused on a broad range of public health programming for infectious disease control and elimination. This has largely focused on understanding and targeting the human ecology of vector-borne diseases.
