Information on, and investigation of, the epidemiology and methods of vector-borne diseases is usually incorporated only sparsely into books about the epidemiology of infectious diseases. The most generally accessible sources are the WHO's annual malaria guidelines and annual World Malaria Reports. In contrast, the details and findings of research are found in specialist journals, and explain the minute details of a particular situation.

This book is designed for people who need to investigate the sources of disease, and report their findings. Although it references hundreds of peer-reviewed studies, it presents the procedures that can be used by vector control and epidemiologists in straightforward language. It also makes mention of, and references, new and novel techniques that are currently being developed for investigations.

The book begins with an explanation of what is required to conduct vector-borne disease epidemiology, and why the focus of prevention is the biting insects and arthropods. It also shows how the environment is the main unit of investigation in this regard, and explains techniques for developing a comprehensive and linked surveillance system and for detecting a disease prior to the infection of a human index case.