I have 18 years of experience in the field of Public Health, specifically in medical entomology and parasitology, with a particular focus on mosquitoes and the pathogens they transmit to humans. My current research interests are to use interdisciplinary approaches to vector control, including the use of artificial intelligence, spatial modelling, telecommunication platforms, and gaming.

Recent projects I have worked on include a collaboration with the WHO, Centers for Disease Control, and the Pacific Island Health Officers Association to eliminate lymphatic filariasis in the Pacific; investigating rapid intervention tools and strategies for Zika outbreaks in Australia (FNQ Hospital Foundation Grant); and Queensland Institute of Medical Research – Berghofer and the US Department of Defense based in Peru, where we investigated the use of novel spatial repellents to intercept biting by Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of dengue and Zika viruses.

Earlier research includes trap development, and sampling biases for Aedes aegypti (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation)

The collaborations I have been involved in over the last 18 years include institutions in Canada, the United States, Europe, South America, Australia, Samoa, and American Samoa.

 

Teaching

• TM5518: Medical Entomology (Level 5; CNS)

Interests

Research

• I am primarily interested in developing smart interventions for vector-borne diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti, Aedes polynesiensis, and Aedes albopictus, including dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and lymphatic filariasis.

These are the most recent publications associated with this author. To see a detailed profile of all publications stored at JCU, visit ResearchOnline@JCU. Hover over Altmetrics badges to see social impact.

Journal Articles

• Meyer D, Johnson B, Fall K, Buhagiar T, Townsend M and Ritchie S (2018) Development, optimization, and field evaluation of the novel collapsible passive trap for collection of mosquitoes. Journal of Medical Entomology, 55 (3), pp. 706-710, DOI:10.1093/jme/tjx240.
• Buhagiar T, Devine G and Ritchie S (2017) Effects of sublethal exposure to metofluthrin on the fitness of Aedes aegypti in a domestic setting in Cairns, Queensland. Parasites & Vectors, 10 (274), pp. 1-7, DOI:10.1186/s13071-017-2220-7.
• Buhagiar T, Devine G and Ritchie S (2017) Metofluthrin: investigations into the use of a volatile spatial pyrethroid in a global spread of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Parasites & Vectors, 10 (270), pp. 1-11, DOI:10.1186/s13071-017-2219-0.
• Eiras A, Buhagiar T and Ritchie S (2014) Development of the gravid Aedes trap for the capture of adult female container-exploiting mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). Journal of Medical Entomology, 51 (1), pp. 200-209, DOI:10.1603/ME13104.
• Ritchie S, Buhagiar T, Townsend M, Hoffmann A, Van Den Hurk A, Mcmahon J and Eiras A (2014) Field validation of the gravid Aedes trap (GAT) for collection of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Journal of Medical Entomology, 51 (1), pp. 210-219, DOI:10.1603/ME13105.
• Jacups S, Ball T, Paton C, Johnson P and Ritchie S (2013) Operational use of household bleach to "crash and release" Aedes aegypti prior to Wolbachia-infected mosquito release. Journal of Medical Entomology, 50 (2), pp. 344-351, DOI:10.1603/ME12043.
• Ritchie S, Paton C, Buhagiar T, Webb G and Jovic V (2013) Residual treatment of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in containers using Pyriproxyfen slow-release granules (Sumilarv 0.5G). Journal of Medical Entomology, 50 (5), pp. 1169-1172, DOI:10.1603/ME13043.
• Williams C, Johnson P, Ball T and Ritchie S (2013) Productivity and population density estimates of the dengue vector mosquito Aedes aegypti (Stegomyia aegypti) in Australia. Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 27 (3), pp. 313-322, DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2915.2012.01051.x.
• Ball T and Ritchie S (2010) Sampling biases of the BG-sentinel trap with respect to physiology, age, and body size of adult Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Journal of Medical Entomology, 47 (4), pp. 649-656, DOI:10.1603/ME09218.
• Ball T and Ritchie S (2010) Evaluation of BG-Sentinel trap trapping efficacy for Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in a visually competitive environment. Journal of Medical Entomology, 47 (4), pp. 657-663, DOI:10.1603/ME09242 .
• Kemp D, Macedonia J, Ball T and Rutowski R (2008) Potential direct fitness consequences of ornament-based mate choice in a butterfly. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 62 (6), pp. 1017-1026, DOI:10.1007/s00265-007-0529-5.
• Schmaedick M, Ball T, Burkot T and Gurr N (2008) Evaluation of three traps for sampling Aedes polynesiensis and other mosquito species in American Samoa. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 24 (2), pp. 319-322, DOI:10.2987/5652.1 .

Current and recent Research Funding to JCU is shown by funding source and project.