Vector-Borne Disease Section (VBDS)  

The Vector-Borne Disease Section (VBDS) protects the health and well-being of Californians from diseases transmitted to people from insects and other animals. VBDS conducts prevention, surveillance, and control of vector-borne diseases, including hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, plague, Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and other tick-borne and mosquito-borne diseases.

VBDS staff, located in four regional offices and headquartered in Sacramento, provide the following services:

• Develop and implement statewide vector-borne disease surveillance, prevention, and control programs
• Design and conduct scientific investigations to further knowledge of vector-borne diseases in California
• Coordinate preparedness activities for detection and response to introduced vectors and vector-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus
• Conduct emergency vector control when disease outbreaks occur
• Advise local agencies on public health issues related to vector-borne diseases
• Oversee local vector control agency activities through a Cooperative Agreement
• Oversee the Vector Control Technician Certification and Continuing Education programs
• Provide information, training, and educational materials to governmental agencies and the public
• Provide assistance in coordinating issues related to the management of Africanized honey bees, red imported fire ants, head lice, and bed bugs