Vectors of Diseases of Natural Foci

Eight Russian authorities on arthropod vector groups have collaborated with editor-contributor Petrishcheva in a publication that covers the field of medical and veterinary arachno-entomology. The scope of the work is indicated by the ten chapter headings, as follows: 1. Mosquitoes; 2. Sandflies (Phlebotominae); 3. Simuliidae; 4. Heleidae; 5. Horseflies; 6. Fleas; 7. Ixodid Ticks; 8. Argasid Ticks; 9. Gamasoid Mites; and 10. Trombiculid Mites. The varying lengths of the chapters, according to the editor, reflect either the abundance or scarcity of available information, or the existence of previous monographs in Russian that cover the field adequately, dictating an abbreviated presentation in this volume. In keeping with the "Theory of Natural Foci of Infections" as advanced by E. N. Pavlovskii, the ecology of arthropod-borne disease is emphasized throughout. Intra-chapter arrangement of subject matter varies, but includes such topics as General Classification, Medical and Veterinary Importance, Biology, Distribution, Control, Methods of Study and Bibliography. With few deviations, classification names are those in general use in the West. One exception is the old order name, Aphaniptera, for the fleas. Diseases associated with arthropod vectors are treated in great breadth, but often with only moderate depth (a limitation imposed by the modest size of the book). "Biology" includes those aspects that are germane to the epidemiology and control of arthropod-borne diseases and to the reduction of the adverse effects caused by the arthropod bite itself. The acute problems caused by biting arthropods in the developing settlements in the USSR are stressed and solutions suggested. Grouping the various arthropods-geographically, ecologically, or behaviorally-contributes to an effective presentation. Vectors and diseases are discussed first on a world-wide basis and then with reference to the Soviet Union. A few distribution maps and a number of plates to illustrate habitats and methods of collection and study are included. These are poor. The bibliographies list major works in Russian, followed by citations of a smaller number of major publications in other languages. Although the bibliographies are short, numerous references by author and year only appear in the text. The publication gives evidence of the broad knowledge of the contributors and the large amount of investigational work that has