The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #48439

Jerry F. Butler, Ph D, Department of entomology and nematology, Institute of Food Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 110620, Building 970, Surge Area Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611 and Frank Meek, Technical Services, Orkin Exterminating Co., Inc., 2170 Piedmont Road N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324, 404-888-2898, jfb@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu.

A study completed in May 2001 and conducted by Dr. Jerry F. Butler, a noted University of Florida entomologist, confirmed that flies are a serious threat to food safety and thus public health. The study, sponsored by Orkin, found three new bacterial records for flies as well as six additional bacterial organisms previously observed by other researchers. The serious illnesses associated with the identified bacteria are food poisoning, intestinal infections, diarrhea, meningitis, pneumonia, upper respiratory diseases, typhoid fever, pulmonary disease in infants and bloodstream infections.

The presenters, Dr. Butler and Mr. Meek, a Board Certified Entomologist, will teach participants about the serious threat flies present to public health. Attendees also will learn about new pest management technologies and procedures that are available to minimize dangers from flies. Due to environmental concerns, the variety of pesticides available for commercial pest control is rapidly shrinking. The presentation will review new environment-friendly alternatives for pest management such as new types of insect light traps (ILTs) for outdoor venues, use of heat in commercial establishments and computerized spatial analysis and trending, a technology that identifies and eliminates potential "hot spots," allowing pest management professionals to prevent infestations before they start.

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