AMCARF Awards Grant to Dr. Norah Saarman for AI-Powered Identification of West Nile Virus Mosquito Vectors

January 16, 2025 – Logan, UT

The American Mosquito Control Association Research Foundation (AMCARF) has awarded Dr. Norah Saarman a research grant to advance the low-cost, efficient identification of Culex mosquito species capable of spreading West Nile Virus using computer vision–based AI tools. The project will leverage Vectech’s IDX platform to image and train AI models to differentiate cryptic Culex species, improving surveillance accuracy and supporting targeted vector control efforts.

Dr. Saarman, an ecologist at Utah State University, will use the grant to build AI-driven identification tools capable of distinguishing between morphologically similar Culex pipiens, Culex quinquefasciatus, and their hybrids. By integrating IDX imaging with machine learning, the project aims to provide a cost-effective, scalable solution for vector control programs, enabling faster and more precise monitoring of mosquito populations and their disease risk.

"This project represents an exciting step forward in our ability to track disease-carrying mosquitoes. Using AI tools like IDX, we can differentiate cryptic mosquito species with unprecedented efficiency, which is critical for monitoring the spread of West Nile Virus and protecting public health," said Dr. Norah Saarman, Assistant Professor at Utah State University.

The spread of Culex mosquitoes and their hybrids is a growing public health concern, as these species are primary vectors of West Nile Virus in North America. Traditional identification methods are time-intensive and require specialized expertise. By applying IDX’s computer vision capabilities, Dr. Saarman’s team will accelerate species identification, generate high-quality training data for AI models, and support evidence-based interventions in mosquito abatement programs.

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Tristan Ford
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