MUVE-ing Together: Connecting Entomology, Ecology, and Human Health
Organizers: Erika Machtinger, Risa Pesapane, Karen Poh, and Danielle Tufts
We need to think bigger
The Medical, Urban, and Veterinary (MUVE) section of the Entomological Society of America is a group of like-minded entomologists that are interested in how arthropods affect humans, animals, and our urban environment. Veterinary entomologists work on ways to protect livestock, wildlife, and zoo animals from insect pests and the diseases they carry. However, the One Health initiative has a larger systems approach than is typically considered in MUVE.
We need to build connections
While MUVE does represent researchers and educators working on arthropods of wildlife, we started to realize that many of our current or potential MUVE section members working in wild animal systems may not be connected to experts in zoologists, wildlife biologists, ecologists, or others in related fields. Similarly, others working in animal systems may not know or have access to veterinary entomology experts.
We need to grow together
It was this desire to create and grow these connections that started our process of creating this MUVE initiative. Our hope is that we will develop an impactful network of individuals working in the field of wildlife veterinary entomology, zoology, wildlife biology, and ecology.