Effect of non-human hosts on the human biting rate of primary and secondary malaria vectors in Tanzania.

Background: Malaria vectors vary in feeding preference depending on their innate behaviour, host availability and abundance. Host preference and human biting rate in malaria vectors are key factors in establishing zooprophylaxis and zoopotentiation. This study aimed at assessing the impact of non-human hosts in close proximity to humans on the human biting rate of primary and secondary malaria vectors, with varying host preferences.

Distance from human dwellings differentially affects the efficacy of a synthetic cattle urine odour lure to trap malaria vectors.

Background: Cost-effective outdoor-based devices for surveillance and control of outdoor mosquito vector populations can substantially improve their efficacy when baited with synthetic human and animal odours. This study aimed at assessing the dose-dependent efficacy of a previously developed synthetic cattle urine odour to lure malaria vectors, and other mosquito species, to traps placed at different distances from human dwellings outdoors.

Methods: The efficacy of the cattle urine odour lure was assessed through a 5 × 5 Latin square design, using two sets of 5 Suna traps placed at either 1.

Seasonal variation in abundance and blood meal sources of primary and secondary malaria vectors within Kilombero Valley, Southern Tanzania.

Background: Existing control tools have significantly reduced malaria over the past two decades. However, progress has been stalled due to increased resistance in primary vectors and the increasing role of secondary vectors. This study aimed to investigate the impact of seasonal change on primary and secondary vector abundance and host preference.