Figure 1

Approach to rational identification of quantitative factors proposed to influence the exposure of dogs to vector-borne pathogens. Background information, meeting objectives and guidelines were presented to participants before they were divided into three separate panels, according to vector taxa, for mosquitoes, prostriate ticks and metastriate ticks. Each panel was asked to identify, discuss and to rank candidate factors for evaluation with statistical prevalence models of pathogens transmitted to US dogs by each vector taxon. All of the participants were subsequently reconvened for further discussion and refinement of the results from each panel.