U.S. Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
Deployed War-fighter Protection Research Program Podcast
 [Running time: ~ 3:22]

Hi I'm Jay Green with the Agricultural Research Service or A.R.S. ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency.

Plan on attending a Veteran's Day parade this year? If so, take a closer look at what some of our soldiers are wearing. Many U.S. troops deployed overseas will be dressed in uniforms that offer protection against threats from insects that can transmit devastating diseases, like malaria. 

Scientists at ARS, have teamed up with the U.S. Department of Defense, to help protect U.S. soldiers against biting insects, like mosquitoes and other disease-causing pests. The operation, called the Deployed War-fighter Protection Research Program, is aimed at improving personal protection for troops; devising better insect protection and detection technologies; and developing effective insecticides. The ARS team includes 15 scientists at 5 ARS laboratories located in Florida, Maryland, Mississippi, and Texas.

[DANIEL A. STRICKMAN - ARS National Program Leader, Veterinary and Medical Urban Entomology]: We've invented new insecticides. We've honed the equipment to a much more efficient state for application of insecticides. We've developed new personal protection measures. And, we've also looked at how better to control the vectors, the insects that transmit disease, the key ones that are a problem for the military today.

Factory-treated uniforms containing ARS-developed and tested repellents are the latest in protective gear for our troops. Attachable wristbands laced with insect repellents that offer additional protection may be next on the horizon.

ARS scientists say, "The more proficient we are at repelling or killing insects, the better our ability to prevent disease transmission to our troops when they are deployed." 

[ULRICH R. BERNIER (Uli) - ARS Research Chemist]: The theory is that, if you can prevent mosquitoes from biting you, then you should have a zero-percent disease transmission risk. And, the closer we get to that 100 percent mark, the closer we get to zero percent disease transmission.

ARS scientists have developed effective compounds from natural plants, like the American beautyberry. This plant has shown significant repellency against mosquitoes and ticks. The scientists are looking at this and other plants to find natural alternatives that are as effective or better than DEET at repelling arthropods.

They're also gathering research ammunition against sand flies that can carry parasites that cause leishmaniasis, which leaves skin sores and can damage the immune system; and filth flies that can cause diarrhea. 

ARS researchers are also evaluating insect-control equipment, such as sprayers, to find the most effective technology for controlling insect pests. 

[CRAIG STOOPS - Program Manager, Medical Entomology Collaborations, Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center]: The relationship and the association between the military and USDA is critical for us.

That's our podcast for today. As we pay tribute to our veterans and active troops this year, let's remember the contributions made by ARS scientists and DOD to help protect them as they protect us.