Results of Interviews of Vector-Borne Disease Professionals in the Midwest United States.

Between September 2024 to January 2026, 100 professionals working with mosquito and/or tick vectors and located primarily in the upper Midwest of the United States were interviewed. These interviews were used to assess the work performed in the region and to highlight successes and challenges of the work. The results suggest that collaboration within and across agencies is a strength, whereas a major challenge is that the public and politicians do not understand or appreciate the importance of their work in vector surveillance, vector control, and public outreach.