Page 15 - JSOM Spring 2020

Bed Bugs – Importance, Biology, and Control Servicemembers Who Fly With Their Support Animals
Strategies
The Transportation Department is expected to revise its reg-
Foreword. The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., the ulations this year to clarify the definition of a service animal,
tropical bed bug, C. hemipterus (Fabricius), and a few closely aimed at reducing the use of support animals on planes. Since
related species of blood-feeding true bugs (Hemiptera: Cimi- 2016, the number of behavior-related service animal problems,
cidae) have been persistent pests of humans throughout re- “including urinating, defecating or biting,” has increased 84
corded history. They may have evolved as cave-dwelling nest percent.
ectoparasites of mammals (probably bats), with at least one
species later switching to feed mainly on cave-dwelling hu- Current Service Animal Requirements
mans. As humans moved from caves to tents and, ultimately, DOT considers a service animal to be any animal that is indi-
houses, bed bugs, especially the common bed bug, were prob- vidually trained to assist to a qualified person with a disability
ably brought along. Bed bugs appear in the literature and or any animal necessary for the emotional well-being of a pas-

folklore of many cultures and countries, from the Egyptians, senger.US airlines must transport all service animals regardless

Greeks and Romans to early Jewish and Christian writings, of species with a few narrow exceptions.US airlines are not re-
and in the records of colonial Americans (Usinger 1966). After quired to accommodate certain unusual service animals, such
World War II, widespread use of synthetic insecticides led to as snakes, reptiles, ferrets, rodents, and spiders. Under DOT’s

sharp declines in bed bug populations in most industrialized current rule, airlines may also refuse to carry other animals
countries. By 1997, they were so scarce in the US, Canada and if the airline determines: (1) There are factors precluding the
Europe that it was difficult to find fresh specimens to use in animal from traveling in the cabin of the aircraft, such as the
teaching college entomology classes (Snetsinger 1997). Some size or weight of the animal; (2) the animal would pose a direct
contemporary Pest Management Professionals (PMPs) with threat to the health or safety of others; (3) it would cause a
years of experience have still never seen an active bed bug in- significant disruption of cabin service; or (4) the law of a for-
festation. By the early 2000’s, a resurgence of bed bugs began eign country that is the destination of the flight would prohibit
in the US, Canada, European countries, Australia and parts entry of the animal.
of Africa. Infestations have occurred in homes, hotels, hos-
tels, cruise ships, submarines, airplanes, trains, schools, and Regarding emotional support animals (ESA) and psychiatric
long-term care facilities (Cooper and Harlan 2004, Doggett et service animals (PSA), DOT requires airlines to recognize these
al. 2004, Hwang et al. 2005, Johnson 2005). This Technical animals as service animals, but allows airlines to require that
Guide was developed to meet the need for current information ESA and PSA users provide a letter from a licensed mental

and guidance regarding bed bugs and their control. health professional of the passenger’s need for the animal. To
enable airlines sufficient time to assess the passenger’s docu-
mentation, DOT permits airlines to require 48 hours’ advance
notice of a passenger’s wish to travel with an ESA or PSA. [8]
Fig. 4. Reaction from bed bug ESAs and PSAs differ from one another in that PSAs, like other
bites, 48 hours after feeding. traditional service animals, are trained to perform a specific
task for a passenger with a disability. In contrast, ESAs pro-
Photo by H. J. Harlan. vide emotional support for a passenger with a mental/emo-
tional disability but are not trained to perform specific tasks.
However, DOT expects that all service animals are trained to
behave properly in a public setting.
An integrated approach to bed bug management is essential in
eliminating a bed bug infestation. Insecticide resistance is often Under the existing service animal regulations, it is generally
very high in bed bug populations, therefore the use of a variety not permissible to insist on written credentials or documen-
of pest control strategies and techniques, including the use of tation for an animal as a condition for treating it as a service
physical prevention and treatment methods, non-chemical and animal, except for an ESA or PSA. DOT requires airlines to ac-
chemical control methods, and biological control methods are cept animals as service animals based on the “credible verbal

paramount to eliminating modern bed bug infestations. assurances” of the passengers.Airlines may also not charge for
the transport of service animals.
For more information, see Armed Forces Pest Management
Board Technical Guide No. 44, April 19, 2019, published and The Department’s disability rule permits airlines not to trans-
distributed by the Armed Forces Pest Management Board US port service animals that pose a direct threat to the health
Army Garrison—Forest Glen 2460 Linden Lane, Building 172 or safety of others or would cause a significant disruption
Silver Spring, MD 20910-1230 Office of the Under Secretary of cabin service. In guidance referenced in the Department’s
of Defense. http://www.acq.osd.mil/eie/afpmb/contactUs.html service animal rule, DOT has advised airlines to observe the
behavior of the service animal to determine if it is a prop-
The Last Full Measure erly trained animal as such an animal will calmly remain by

its owner. The animal should not run freely, bark or growl at
The Last Full Measure, a 2019 film, tells other persons, urinate or defecate in the gate area, or bite. Ob-

the true story of Vietnam conflict hero serving the behavior of the animal assists airline personnel in
William H. Pitsenbarger, a US Air Force PJ making a case-by-case determination as to whether the animal
medic who personally saved more than 60 may pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others or
men. (Image from Wikipedia.) may create a significant disruption in cabin service. Airlines
are not required to accept for transport animals that do not

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