Risk Of Environmental Contamination Research Articles

Infectivity and pathobiology of H7N1 and H5N8 high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses for pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica)

ABSTRACT Avian influenza (AI) is one of the most important viral diseases in poultry, wildlife and humans. Available data indicate that pigeons play a minimum role in the epidemiology of AI. However, a degree of variation exists in the susceptibility of pigeons to highly pathogenic AI viruses (HPAIVs), especially since the emergence of the goose/Guangdong H5 lineage. Here, the pathogenesis of H5N8 HPAIV in comparison with a H7N1 HPAIV and the role of pigeons in the epidemiology of these viruses were evaluated. Local and urban pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) were intranasally inoculated with 105 ELD50 of A/goose/Spain/IA17CR02699/2017 (H5N8) or A/Chicken/Italy/5093/1999 (H7N1) and monitored during 14 days. Several pigeons inoculated with H5N8 or H7N1 seroconverted. However, clinical signs, mortality, microscopic lesions and viral antigen were only detected in a local pigeon inoculated with H5N8 HPAIV. This pigeon presented prostration and neurological signs that correlated with the presence of large areas of necrosis and widespread AIV antigen in the central nervous system, indicating that the fatal outcome was associated with neurological dysfunction. Viral RNA in swabs was detected in some pigeons inoculated with H7N1 and H5N8, but it was inconsistent, short-term and at low titres. The present study demonstrates that the majority of pigeons were resistant to H5N8 and H7N1 HPAIVs, despite several pigeons developing asymptomatic infections. The limited viral shedding indicates a minimum role of pigeons as amplifiers of HPAIVs, regardless of the viral lineage, and suggests that this species may represent a low risk for environmental contamination. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS H7N1 and H5N8 HPAIVs can produce subclinical infections in pigeons. The mortality caused by H5N8 HPAIV in one pigeon was associated with neurological dysfunction. Pigeons represent a low risk for environmental contamination by HPAIVs.

Assessment of bioavailability and mobility of major and trace elements in agricultural soils collected in Port St Johns, Eastern Cape, South Africa using single extraction procedures and pseudo-total digestion.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of ultrasound assisted single extraction and pseudo-total digestion procedures to investigate the bioavailability and mobility of major and trace elements collected from agricultural soil collected in Mzimvubu farmstead area located in Port St Johns, Eastern Cape Province (South Africa). The potential metal availability was assessed using complexing agent (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)), mild (cacium chloride (CaCl2) and ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3)), deionized water and acidic (CH3COOH) extractants with the assistance of ultrasound to evaluate mobility and bioavailability of metals. The ultrasound radiation was used to assist the single extraction of major and trace metals from agricultural soils as well shortening the extraction time. The pseudo-total metal content in agricultural soils was obtained using pseudo-total digestion employing aqua-regia. The results obtained using different solvents for single extraction procedures, revealed that higher extraction of Al (256-681mgkg-1), Fe (172-430mgkg-1) and Mn (35-136mgkg-1), was observed compared to other metals. Among the investigated solvents, deionized water, acetic acid and EDTA proved to be the most aggressive extractants. The geo-accumulation index (2-6) and contamination factor (3-6) demonstrated that Fe, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Ni, and Zn could pose significant environmental contamination risk. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the high levels of some studied metals was due to anthropogenic activities. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-020-00581-x.

Radioactive particles: biokinetic transfer parameters in the GIT of monogastric animals

Transfer of radioactive particles in the environment is an important issue important for both radiobiology and radioecology. The article presents an analysis of the main patterns of “hot” radioactive particles transport in the digestive tract of monogastric animals (rats, guinea pigs and pigs), which serve as reference organisms in the tasks of assessing the radiation risk of environmental contamination. The models of particle transport in the gastrointestinal tract of monogastric animals were developed and their parameters were estimated.

Monitoring of the Environmental Contamination and Exposure Risk of COVID-19 in the Medical Staff of Coronavirus referral hospitals in Qom, Iran

COVID-19 is a new infection that first occurred in China and now is spreading worldwide. The disease is considered to be a serious respiratory disease in humans. This study has been designed to assess surface contamination of SARS-CoV-2and exposure risk of the disease in the medical staff of two coronavirus referral hospitals of Qom province, which were dedicated to the admission and treatment of COVID -19 patients.. This study was carried in two steps including analysis of environmental samples and exposure risk assessment of COVID-19. In this study 50 environmental samples were collected from different sites of the hospitals. After extracting RNA, RT-PCR was done for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The results showed that 18% of environmental sites, including elevator buttons (8%), doorknobs (6%) and bed rails (4%) were positive. In the risk assessment process based on according to wear of personal protective equipment, exposed to high touch surfaces, performing hand hygiene, any accident with biological fluid/respiratory secretions, the results indicate that 60.4 %, 68.3%, 28.6% and 20.6% health care personal including medical doctors, nurses and assistant nurses have high risk, respectively. In general, implement a plan for monitoring health personnel exposed to confirmed COVID-19 cases for respiratory illness including environmental surveillance engineering controls and personal protective equipment recommended.

Profile of the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Health Study: Exposure to and health risks of environmental PFAS contamination in Australian communities

The extensive distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has led to concerns about environmental and human health impacts. Risk assessments of contaminated areas in Australia have evaluated PFAS exposure pathways but have not quantified PFAS exposure levels in affected communities or the associated health risks. The PFAS Health Study aims to investigate multiple aspects of the PFAS exposure pathway, including the environmental and behavioural factors that influence PFAS body burdens, as well as health outcomes and concerns associated with PFAS exposure. We conducted a cross-sectional study of current and former residents and workers of three Australian communities affected by environmental PFAS contamination−Williamtown in New South Wales, Oakey in Queensland and Katherine in the Northern Territory−and three comparison communities. This Study included biomonitoring and a self-administered survey. The findings will guide our understanding of the determinants of PFAS exposure, associations with self-reported psychosocial or physical health outcomes and concerns, and actions that residents have taken in PFAS affected communities to reduce their exposure. The study design was informed by a systematic review of the health effects of PFAS exposure and a qualitative study of the health and social concerns of people living in Australian communities affected by environmental PFAS contamination. This study will produce knowledge to assist affected communities in understating the impact, if any, of PFAS exposure on their health and to aid policy makers in responding to PFAS contamination issues. The PFAS Health Study is the first of its kind in Australia and will add to the body of international literature around the effects of environmental PFAS exposure on human health.

Survival of swine pathogens in compost formed from preprocessed carcasses.

An introduction of a Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) like African Swine Fever Virus (ASF) would be financially devastating. For example, ASF, a highly contagious pathogen with high mortality rates, is a World Health Organization reportable disease that has recently been spreading across Asia and Europe. Control of ASF would likely require mass euthanasia of infected and exposed animals similar to the United Kingdom’s elimination of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Subsequent disposal of infectious carcasses must adequately eliminate the virus and prevent further transmission of the disease. Although composting swine carcasses is widely used throughout the industry, limited data is available describing pathogen survival or elimination during this process. While current methods have evaluated the composting of swine carcasses under temperature‐controlled settings, they have not considered the effects of adverse weather conditions (e.g., cold winter conditions) where composting is routinely performed. This study utilized preprocessing (grinding) of swine carcasses prior to composting, which decreases the amount of required carbon material and land space. The ability of composting to reduce the level of viral nucleic acid during cold weather conditions and the risk of environmental contamination that may occur during preprocessing was evaluated. In this study, pigs challenged with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV), common domestic diseases, before euthanasia provided infectious carcasses containing pathogen surrogates. Composting of preprocessed carcasses achieved adequate temperatures necessary to eliminate FAD and common swine pathogens during cold weather conditions (monitored by compost temperature over time, virus diagnostic testing, and swine bioassay for PRRSV and PEDV). Under the conditions of this study, composting preprocessed carcasses presents minimal risk to air and groundwater contamination. In conclusion, composting preprocessed euthanized swine under adverse weather conditions is a safe and feasible option for mass disposal of infected carcasses.

Environmental contamination in a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) intensive care unit-What is the risk?

The risk of environmental contamination by severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is unclear. We evaluated the extent of environmental contamination in the ICU and correlated this with patient and disease factors, including the impact of different ventilatory modalities. In this observational study, surface environmental samples collected from ICU patient rooms and common areas were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Select samples from the common area were tested by cell culture. Clinical data were collected and correlated to the presence of environmental contamination. Results were compared to historical data from a previous study in general wards. In total, 200 samples from 20 patient rooms and 75 samples from common areas and the staff pantry were tested. The results showed that 14 rooms had at least 1 site contaminated, with an overall contamination rate of 14% (28 of 200 samples). Environmental contamination was not associated with day of illness, ventilatory mode, aerosol-generating procedures, or viral load. The frequency of environmental contamination was lower in the ICU than in general ward rooms. Eight samples from the common area were positive, though all were negative on cell culture. Environmental contamination in the ICU was lower than in the general wards. The use of mechanical ventilation or high-flow nasal oxygen was not associated with greater surface contamination, supporting their use and safety from an infection control perspective. Transmission risk via environmental surfaces in the ICUs is likely to be low. Nonetheless, infection control practices should be strictly reinforced, and transmission risk via droplet or airborne spread remains.

The pattern of anthrax at the wildlife-livestock-human interface in Zimbabwe.

Anthrax is an important but neglected zoonosis in southern Africa and elsewhere which occurs naturally in herbivorous wildlife and livestock. Fatal outbreaks in animals are spaced by potentially extended periods of non-activity during which the bacterium is maintained in soil. The ecology of the pathogen in the multi-host system and the environment is still not fully understood. This study investigated the patterns of anthrax in Zimbabwe in order to better understand the occurrence of disease in susceptible wildlife and livestock and hence its control. The study used available data in governmental reports between 1995 and 2018 and structured interviewer-administered questionnaires of local communities in three porous wildlife-livestock-human interface sites where livestock/wildlife interactions were documented from previous researches. Two non-interface sites were also included for comparison based on known previous anthrax outbreaks. Respondents from non-interface sites had significantly higher odds (χ2 = 23.2, OR = 3.5, 2.1<OR<5.8, p<0.001) of reporting anthrax outbreaks than their counterparts at the interface. Overall 20.0% (74/372) of the respondents reported that some anthrax carcasses were left to dissipate into the environment indicating a risk of environmental contamination. In livestock a total of 214 outbreaks with 2911 losses (mainly cattle) were recorded between 2000 and 2018, while 10 outbreaks with 3171 deaths were noted in wildlife. In humans 99 outbreaks were recorded involving 903 individual cases with 16 fatalities due to enteric infections following the consumption of infected meat between 2010 and 2018. Since its first incidence in wildlife in 2004–2005 in the south-eastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe, anthrax appears to be establishing endemic status along the Zambezi River basin. The disease has expanded spatially affecting 45 (72.6%) of the country’s 62 rural districts in a single decade. Thus, robust multi-disciplinary efforts are encouraged for surveillance and disease containment measures to minimize its impact on livestock, wildlife and humans.

Diversity of Culicidae and Tabanidae (Diptera) and new record of Uranotaenia sapphirina from the archaeological site of X’cambó, Yucatan, Mexico

Hematophagous flies belonging to the families Culicidae and Tabanidae, have played an important role in human health and domestic/wild and animal health. We performed weekly collections of active-flying flies of dipterans form the families Culicidae and Tabanidae with Malaise, CDC and BG-Sentinel traps during September to October of 2017 among different vegetation types characteristic of the archeological site of X’cambo located at north coast of Yucatan. A total of 656 specimens were collected. Culicidae presented the highest abundance (97.5%) and species richness (73%) in 14 species. The CDC trap was the most effective regarding species richness. Shannon entropy index showed that number of species predicted and observed were not significant among traps. Two Anopheles and one Aedes species were dominant for each trap. Uranotaenia sapphirina is a new record for Yucatan. This information will be valuable for conservation and vector surveillance purposes considering that coastal zones are unique/fragile ecosystems in serious risk of fragmentation and environmental contamination.

South Africa's Minamata, an Analysis of the Thor Chemicals Saga 1989 – 2020

This study analysed historical data collected over thirty years to evaluate the extent of environmental contamination and health risk associated with mercury (Hg) pollution attributed to Thor Chemicals, South Africa. Data from several sources were pooled to describe pollution trends over time. Total Hg levels directly below the plant remain extremely high and a cause for concern. Mercury levels in fish have increased significantly from 1999 to 2009 (p=0.0001) and the consumption of Catfish poses a risk to local communities with median values of 1.15 μg/g, it is very likely that Hg levels in fish have increased over the last decade as no recent data are available. In 1999 all human and animal hair samples were below 0.5 μg/g. However, by 2010 levels had increased significantly (p=0.016) among people living near the Inanda Dam (median 2.46 μg/g), as well as near the plant (median 2.62 μg/g in 2020). Immediate environmental remediation is required, and the remaining stockpile of Hg needs to be disposed of. Current fish Hg levels need to be established to develop fish consumption guidelines. A comprehensive environmental epidemiological study with a focus on pregnant women and children is needed to develop appropriate health protection interventions. Funding Statement: This research received no external funding. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Hazardous motherboards: Changes in metal contamination related to the evolution of electronictechnologies.

Proper management of electronic waste (e-waste) represents significant economic and environmental challenges because of the tremendous quantity of e-waste, the potential of extracting precious metals from recyclable electronics, and the risks of environmental contamination with a variety of toxic compounds. This study focused on the leaching potential of 57 elements from central processing unit mainboards manufactured over time (1980s-2010s) using river water at different pHs as an environmentally-relevant extractant. The exposure time was set to one week. The calculated contamination factors allowed classification of the elements released from mainboards into five groups with increasing leachability and thus environmental concerns. Also, the results demonstrated a changing nature of e-waste related to the technologies employed and the transition of metal contamination signatures from these electronics; newer computer mainboards have a lower risk of Pb and Sn leaching but a greater release of Li, Sb, and a few rare earth elements (Sm, Eu, Dy). These specific patterns of elemental release could become powerful geochemical forensic tracers of improper recycling activities of e-waste in the environment. Most studies until now have investigated just a few key contaminants, despite the cocktail of pollutants contained in electronics. Therefore, a full assessment of the leaching potential of pollutants from non-properly recycled e-waste and further ecotoxicological studies are timely needed.

Spatial distribution of sorption and desorption process of 14C-radiolabelled hexazinone and tebuthiuron in tropical soil

The understanding of the interaction between soil physicochemical attributes and herbicide behavior is fundamental for optimizing the efficient use of PRE-emergence herbicides in a more sustainable approach. However, it is still a poorly studied area within precision agriculture. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the correlation of soil physicochemical attributes with the sorption and desorption processes of hexazinone and tebuthiuron to support application maps considering the field level variability. Soil samples from an agricultural area had their physicochemical attributes analyzed and were submitted to sorption and desorption studies of 14C-tebuthiuron and 14C-hexazinone using the batch equilibrium method. The values of sorption and desorption apparent coefficients (Kd), sorption and desorption percentage and bioavailability were correlated with soil attributes by Pearson’s correlation. The Kd values of tebuthiuron and hexazinone sorption ranged from 1.2 to 2.9 mL g−1 and 0.4–0.6 mL g−1, respectively. For desorption of tebuthiuron and hexazinone, Kd values ranged from 3.4 to 4.4 mL g−1 and 2.6–3.0 mL g−1, respectively. A positive correlation among clay content, soil organic matter (OM), and tebuthiuron and hexazinone sorption Kd values were found. Both herbicides had variable retention according to geographic position in the area. The recommendation of application of PRE herbicides, such as tebuthiuron and hexazinone, observing the physicochemical attributes of the soil is an alternative to increase efficiency in weed control and decrease the risk of environmental contamination.

‘Dedo-de-moça’ pepper seedlings were produced using basic slag in alternative substrate

Studies related to the use of steel mill slag have become essential, because of the possibility of its use as a component of substrates in the production of seedlings and because this use minimizes the risk of environmental contamination, resulting from inadequate disposal. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of steel slag in substrates composed of soil with tanned bovine manure and sand, on the growth variables and the quality of “Dedo-de-moça” pepper (Capsicum baccatum L.) seedlings. A randomized block design was used with five slag concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 10% and 20%) and four repetitions. Evaluations occurred at 55 days after sowing, consisting of counting the number of leaves, measuring plant height and collar diameter, quantifying the dry mass of leaves and roots and determining the Dickson Quality Index. Regression models were fitted (P &lt; 0.05) to treatments with increasing levels of steel slag. The addition around 10% of slag to the substrate provided the highest values of growth variables, in seedlings of Dedo-de-moça pepper.

Environmental contamination related to SARS-CoV-2 in ICU patients

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a primary global concern, and data are lacking concerning risk of novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) environmental contamination.ObjectiveTo identify risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination in COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsA prospective single centre 1-day study was carried out in an ICU. Four surfaces (the ventilator control screen, the control buttons of the syringe pump, the bed rails and the computer table located >1 m away from the patient) were systematically swabbed at least 8 h after any cleaning process. We analysed clinical, microbiological and radiological data to identify risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination.Results40% of ICU patients were found to contaminate their environment. No particular trend emerged regarding the type of surface contaminated. Modality of oxygen support (high-flow nasal cannula oxygenation, invasive mechanical ventilation, standard oxygen mask) was not associated with the risk of environmental contamination. Univariate analysis showed that lymphopenia <0.7×109·L−1 was associated with environmental contamination.ConclusionDespite small sample size, our study generated surprising results. Modality of oxygen support is not associated with risk of environmental contamination. Further studies are needed.

Association of Biosecurity and Hygiene Practices with Environmental Contamination with Influenza A Viruses in Live Bird Markets, Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, live bird market environments are frequently contaminated with avian influenza viruses. Shop-level biosecurity practices might increase risk for environmental contamination. We sought to determine which shop-level biosecurity practices were associated with environmental contamination. We surveyed 800 poultry shops to describe biosecurity practices and collect environmental samples. Samples from 205 (26%) shops were positive for influenza A viral RNA, 108 (14%) for H9, and 60 (8%) for H5. Shops that slaughtered poultry, kept poultry overnight, remained open without rest days, had uneven muddy floors, held poultry on the floor, and housed sick and healthy poultry together were more frequently positive for influenza A viruses. Reported monthly cleaning seemed protective, but disinfection practices were not otherwise associated with influenza A virus detection. Slaughtering, keeping poultry overnight, weekly rest days, infrastructure, and disinfection practices could be targets for interventions to reduce environmental contamination.

Spatial distribution of heavy metals in soils of the flood plain of the Seversky Donets River (Russia) based on geostatistical methods.

Soil contamination by heavy metals (HM) is a worldwide problem for human health. To reduce risk to human health from exposure to toxic chemicals associated with soil contamination, it is necessary to monitor and assess HM concentrations in the soil for places where the concentration exceeds the acceptable levels. Spatial patterning is a necessary tool for assessment of the exposure risk of HM contamination. Soil sampling (n = 65) was carried out in technogenically polluted soils located at Rostov oblast to study the content and spatial distribution of four HM (Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr) in the surface layer (0-20cm) of the impact zone of former Lake Atamanskoe (floodplain of the Seversky Donets River valley, Rostov region) with an area of 3.91 km2. Extremely high values of HM concentrations were found with the maximum values of 702mg/kg, 72,886mg/kg, 2300mg/kg, 259mg/kg for Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr, respectively. Inverse distance-weighted (IDW) interpolation was used to prepare 3D monoelement images of HM. Lognormal kriging and indicator kriging techniques were applied to create elemental spatial distribution maps and HM probability maps. The results showed that the total content of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr was moderately spatially dependent (nugget-to-sill ratio ranged from 31 to 38%), whereas the contamination index Zc formed strong spatial dependence patterns (nugget-to-sill ratio ranged from 0 to 21.4%). The obtained results of this study could serve as a guide to the authorities in identifying those areas which need remediation. Moreover, this study provides a tool for assessing the hygienic situation in the vicinity of Kamensk-Shakhtinsky (Rostov region) for decision making that can help to minimize the environmental risk of technogenic soil contamination of HM.

Morphophysiological analysis of the salivary glands of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) exposed to ozonated water: A control strategy.

The tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato has great medical and veterinary importance, mainly because the ability to transmit many diseases, causing harm to pets but also risks to public health. The blood spoliation and transmission of pathogens occur because of the immunosuppressive action of these ticks' saliva, a potent mixture of bioactive substances that is secreted by the salivary glands, one of the organs responsible for their biological success, and hence the target of studies for their control. Ozone has promise for use as an alternative acaricide, due to its proven efficiency in controlling agricultural and food pests, besides posing no risk of environmental contamination or to animal and human health. Therefore, this study evaluated the acaricidal potential of exposure of females of R. sanguineus s.l. to ozonated water at many concentrations and analysed the morphophysiological alterations of the salivary glands, employing histological and light microscopic techniques. The results demonstrated that the ozonated water at the concentrations investigated caused severe alterations in the salivary glands, bringing a new perspective for control of R. sanguineus s.l., through an ecologically correct method due to the absence of harm to non-target organisms and the environment.

EFFECT OF REPLACING CRUSHED STONE IN STONE COLUMNS BY WASTE MATERIAL ON SOIL IMPROVEMENT RATIO

Many researchers’ studies have shown that stone column is the best material to use to improve the bearing capacity of clayey soils. There are millions of waste volumes resulting from daily human activities. This excess waste leads to disposal problems and also causes environmental contamination and health risks. Demolished concrete is such one waste material that is produced from building demolition in Baghdad, Iraq. This paper describes experimental work conducted at the University of Technology that was carried out to investigate the improved bearing capacity of soft clay using crushed stone, followed by replacing crushed stone with concrete waste with the same relative density and grain size. The replacement was carried using waste concrete with different percentages corresponding to 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The main conclusion drawn is that the bearing capacity increased to 119% by using crushed stone column, while the bearing capacity increased to 155% by using 100% of crushed concrete waste.

Forensic Medicine Practice In The Time Of COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges And Future Perspectives

In the last few months, COVID-19 pandemic caused some challenges for forensic practitioners. The crimes are still being committed and people still die due to causes not related to COVID-19 pandemic, where the forensic practitioners is asked to clinically examine some cases and identify the cause of and manner of death of others. Consequently, the forensic physicians will continue to examine victims of violence and the forensic pathologists should keep doing the autopsy of the corps of those killed by murder , suicide, accidentally or even sudden and unexpected death (like cases of heart attack or stroke). As any other individual in the community, these medico-legal cases may also be infected with COVID-19. SO, all forensic practitioners are at risk to catch COVID-19 infection either during examination of clinical cases that may be infected or during autopsy of infected bodies. The purpose of this review article is to know the potential risks facing forensic practitioners during examination of cases or doing autopsy in COVID-19 pandemic. It also indicates how to manage the dead bodies of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 virus infection in order to minimize the risk of environmental contamination and the contagion of forensic practitioners and the proper guidelines and recommendations for the future.

Susceptibility of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) to gene silencing through RNAi provides potential as a novel management tool

The mountain pine beetle (MPB), Dendroctonus ponderosae, is an eruptive endemic forest pest that is undergoing substantial range expansion in response to recent climatic changes, breaching geographic barriers, exploiting novel hosts, and affecting millions of hectares of conifer forests in western North America. Current management approaches have been unable to keep pace with MPB population outbreaks, and novel and aggressive management responses are required as MPB’s range expansion progresses. Gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi) is an emerging pest management approach that is being developed for agricultural pests, and has also been shown to be effective against some xylophagous forest pests, including the southern pine beetle (SPB), D. frontalis. When essential genes are targeted, RNAi can cause rapid insect mortality; here we focus on evaluating its effectiveness in MPB. We identified reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and validated RNAi responses in MPB by analyzing gene expression and beetle survival. Using an adult bioassay that combined oral ingestion and dermal absorption of dsRNAs targeting three genes (hsp, iap, and shi), we measure gene expression and demonstrate silencing, as well as insect mortality, following dsRNA exposure. All three genes were silenced and all treatment beetles died within 7 d. This validates reference genes for expression analyses and demonstrates that MPB, similar to the congeneric SPB, has a highly sensitive RNAi response. Additionally, we document sex-specific differences in gene expression for one of the three target genes, hsp; any differences in gene expression and subsequent mortality based on sex must be considered as this technology progresses as a pest management tool. RNAi causes rapid insect mortality when essential genes are targeted, is highly specific to the target pest, and has no environmental contamination risks, making it an attractive approach for further development in forest pest suppression.