The PCMCD is responsible for monitoring arboviruses, which are viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. Currently, the district monitors for West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and St. Louis Encephalitis using sentinel chickens. Throughout most of the year, staff collect weekly blood samples from sentinel flocks housed in coops across the county. These samples are analyzed at the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) laboratory to detect any infections from disease-carrying mosquitoes. If a virus is found, the affected area is thoroughly inspected to locate and eliminate mosquito breeding sites and adult mosquitoes associated with the virus.

In addition, the PCMCD collaborates closely with thePasco County Health Department and the Florida Department of Health  to monitor other arboviruses not detectable through sentinel chickens, such as Zika virus, dengue fever, chikungunya virus, and malaria. Adult mosquitoes are collected and sent to the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (BADDL) for testing. With increasing urbanization and globalization leading to more travel-related mosquito-borne disease cases, it is crucial for PCMCD staff to stay informed and implement effective mitigation measures to prevent local transmission.