States Tackle Policy for Rising Vector-Borne Disease Threats
July 27, 2026 | Beth Giambrone
Concerns about an increase in vector-borne diseases, which are transmitted to humans by vectors (e.g., mosquitos, ticks, and fleas), often occur as summer peaks. This year has seen an active tick season so far, with above average hospital visits for tick bites. The most common tick-borne disease is Lyme disease, with the most recent CDC data showing more than 89,000 cases reported in 2023. Other tick-borne diseases found in the United States include Rocky Mountain spotted fever and the allergic condition Alpha-gal syndrome — both of which can be life-threatening. The United States is also home to over 200 types of mosquitoes, with 12 species able to spread disease to humans. The most common mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S. is caused by West Nile virus, while local transmission of dengue is more common in the territories and freely associated states.
Recently, states have considered various policies on vector-borne disease surveillance and control — from creating vector-borne disease management plans and broadening surveillance efforts, to supporting care and coverage options for affected people
Vector Management
In recent years, at least 12 states considered legislation to address vector-borne diseases through tick and mosquito control:
- In New Jersey, pending legislation (A 3026) would require the Department of Environmental Protection to incorporate tick remediation into their existing integrated pest management policy for public and private schools.
- In Rhode Island, a proposed bill (SB 2660) would have directed the Department of Environmental Management to create a tick control strategy for public lands and perform control actions on private property with owner approval.
- In Illinois, legislation considered in 2025 (HB 2646) would have required the Department of Public Health to share pathogen testing results for ticks found in state parks with the Department of Natural Resources, which would then post warning signs.
States are also advancing mosquito surveillance and abatement legislation. Two bills in Massachusetts (H 985 and S 547) would establish a mosquito management board to create a statewide disease management plan with an emphasis on prevention. New York also considered legislation (S 10393) to establish a task force to create a statewide mosquito surveillance plan and require counties to develop local plans. And in 2025, Hawaii enacted legislation (HB 1120) clarifying the legal authority of the Department of Health to prevent and address nuisances affecting public and/or environmental health, including standing water with mosquito larvae.
Reporting Requirements
Since 2025, at least nine states have considered bills to create or amend reporting requirements for tick-borne diseases and conditions. Several states have considered reporting requirements for Alpha-gal syndrome, with Missouri (HB 2372), Oklahoma (SB 1644), and Tennessee (HB 383) enacting legislation. Additionally, the New York Department of Health recently proposed regulations adding a number of diseases (i.e., Alpha-gal) and laboratory-identified agents to their reporting requirements
Additionally, at least two states have introduced legislation that would broaden reporting requirements to include all tick-borne disease. Ohio is considering legislation (HB 578) to expand these requirements to include all zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, with a specific requirement for Alpha-gal syndrome. In 2025, New York passed S 1786, which would have required the Department of Health to annually publish a report on tick-borne disease, including diagnosed case numbers and the estimated tick population. The governor ultimately vetoed the bill, citing a lack of appropriated funds. Ensuring that sufficient resources are available to support additional reporting requirements can be key in successfully adopting these policies.
Education, Awareness, and Prevention
Public awareness and adequate screening are important factors when addressing vector-borne diseases, and several jurisdictions have taken actions to support education and prevention measures. For example, in 2025, Illinois enacted a bill (HB 1754) requiring the Department of Public Health to conduct an awareness campaign on the signs and symptoms of Alpha-gal syndrome. In 2026, at least four jurisdictions are considering similar approaches:
- New Jersey introduced legislation (A 1424) requiring Lyme disease screening during well-child or symptom-related visits, along with Lyme-related continuing medical education for providers.
- Pennsylvania is considering legislation (SB 329) requiring continuing education for health care professionals on assessing, diagnosing, and treating tick-borne disease more broadly.
- Massachusetts is considering a bill (S 1598) that would establish a commission to study the feasibility of and best practices for statewide tick-borne disease education and prevention programs.
- New York recently considered a bill (S 4453) authorizing grants for fellowship programs that establish or expand medical education on tick-borne disease.
Since 2025, at least three states have considered legislation requiring health insurance plans to provide coverage for treatment of tick-borne disease, including one currently being considered in New Jersey (S 1320). Pennsylvania is also considering a comprehensive bill (SB 461) that would require health insurance coverage of not only patient diagnostic testing and treatment for tick-borne disease but also tick testing. In addition, the bill would establish a statewide Lyme disease registry and require the Department of Health to provide educational materials for different audiences on tick-borne disease. Finally, New York considered at least six bills on this issue in their latest session, including one that would have recognized tick-borne disease as occupational diseases under workers’ compensation (S 4816).
New World Screwworm
While new world screwworm (NWS) is not considered a vector-borne disease, it is an important One Health concern, relevant to broader vector surveillance activities because of its role as a parasitic fly affecting animal and human health
The current risk of NWS to people in the United States is low, but there are continuing concerns about the spread in animals and the potential for impacts to human health. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service oversees many aspects of animal health and movement requirements, but states also have the authority to adopt their own requirements for entering animals. At least 15 states have implemented NWS-related requirements for animals originating from NWS zones and surrounding areas. For example, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, and Oregon require certain certificates and/or permits prior to arrival depending upon the origin of the animal.
Legislatures are also exploring additional support for prevention and abatement efforts. Arizona’s 2026 appropriations bill (SB 1847) authorizes the state veterinarian to lead NWS response and grants the department of agriculture authority to inspect imported live cattle if the U.S.-Mexico border reopens for trade. Separately, a 2025 Texas bill (HB 272) would have established a trust fund to support prevention, control, and eradication of NWS
Conclusion
As the 2026 season tests surveillance and response systems, legislative interest in policies that address the surveillance, control, and prevention of vector-borne disease and related threats will likely continue. Policymakers’ work to establish new reporting requirements, awareness campaigns, and prevention programs is critical; however, ensuring that departments of health are adequately funded to carry out these activities is just as important. ASTHO will continue to monitor activity in this area and provide relevant updates.
Reviewed by Danny Staley, MS, Senior Vice President, Public Health Practice & Programs; Meredith Allen, DrPH, MS, Vice President, Health Security; Abe Kulungara, MPH, Senior Director, Environmental Health; Andy Baker-White, JD, MPH, Senior Director of State Health Policy; and Christina Severin, JD, Director, Public Health Law
