(1) The Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, located in Vero Beach, shall be a research and training center for the state under the supervision of the Board of Governors. The laboratory shall be an operational unit of the University of Florida and an integral part of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
(2) The Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory shall perform basic and applied research in the biology and control of biting insects and other arthropods of importance as transmitters of disease or as pest annoyances, with special attention to the needs of the various mosquito control organizations, districts, counties, and municipalities of the state. Each quarter, the laboratory shall provide the department with such information as the department shall require to assist it in the performance of its duties with respect to mosquito control under this chapter. The laboratory shall also serve as a center for the training of students and personnel in the entomological aspects of public health, veterinary science, sanitation, mosquito control, drainage and irrigation design, wetlands management, and other areas of service requiring knowledge of medical entomology. Research and training may extend to international programs of the university under appropriate contract and grant arrangements with international, foreign, and federal agencies.
