CHAPTER 8. MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY AND PEST CONTROL TECHNOLOGY THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 8-66 9 Nov 2004
8-55 CHAPTER 8. NAVY ENTOMOLOGY AND PEST CONTROL TECHNOLOGY 8-56 SECTION IX. COLLECTION AND PREPARATION OF SPECIMENS FOR SHIPMENT TO MEDICAL LABORATORIES Article Subject Page 8-55 Introduction..................................................................................................................8-67 8-56 Procedures....................................................................................................................8-67 8-57 Disposition of Collections............................................................................................8-71 8-55. Introduction a. Insects, Other Arthropods, and Vertebrates of Medical Importance. Whenever possible, specimens should be collected and identified. Specimen acquisition permits development of collections representative of all geographical areas where naval personnel are stationed. These collections then provide a reference source to determine whether, during subsequent surveys, new or existing specimens are found to have moved into or left a specific area. Also, due to geologic variations pertaining to control, the importance of accurate vector and pest species identification cannot be overemphasized. b. Data Requirements. To ensure the scientific value of specimens, it is necessary to record all pertinent data at the time of collection. The minimum information that must accompany all specimens is the date collected, the precise location, and the collector. Other important information includes method of collection, elevation, host, habitat, behavior, time of day, specimen coloration, and any significant morphological or ecological observations. All associated data should be kept with the specimens as they are moved, mounted, studied, or shipped. Labels should be written with a soft lead pencil or pen with indict ink, and to avoid loss or switching, placed inside vials, Novocain tubes, or boxes with the specimens. With pinned specimens the labels should be mounted on the pins below the specimens. 8-56. Procedures a. Arthropods (1) Dead Specimens. When shipping material by mail, an advance letter should be sent to the addressee notifying him of the shipment and its content. The actual shipment, via parcel post, is marked “Dried (or Preserved) Insects for Scientific Study” and “Fragile.” If the shipment is from overseas the statement, “No Commercial Value” will facilitate passage through customs. (2) Live Specimens (a) Quarantine and Shipping Regulations. If live arthropods or arthropods containing infectious etiologic agents are to be shipped from overseas or interstate, permits may be required by PHS and/or the U.S. Post Office. To ensure compliance with regulations, refer to SECNAVINST 6210.2 series and BUMEDINST 6210.3 series, Handling and Shipping of Potentially Hazardous Biological Materials, Diagnostic Specimens, and Etiologic Agents. (b) Shipment. Delicate insect larvae and adults cannot be easily shipped; therefore, the more durable eggs or pupae should be sent whenever possible. Shipments should be air mailed or sent by special delivery if necessary. Ventilate the package but make sure the insects cannot escape. Pack carefully and mark the package “LIVING INSECTS” so it will receive special handling. An advance letter should be sent to the addressee notifying him of the shipment and its content. 9 Nov 2004 8-67