In a new study, experts have said that keeping livestock such as chickens, dogs and pigs in or near homes should be included as mosquito control interventions in communities to reduce mosquito density and malaria transmission in Nigeria.
The study, which evaluated different livestock as risk factors for malaria incidence, stated that this approach can help in vector control without exacerbating the problem of mosquito resistance to insecticides because these livestock can serve as bait for attract mosquitoes.
The researchers said the vegetation index, along with livestock such as goats and sheep, can positively predict malaria transmission in Nigeria.
They stated that livestock species, such as goats and sheep, are identified as positive predictors of malaria transmission, while livestock such as cattle, pigs and chickens are negative predictors, suggesting their potential for prophylactic use. . It was in Scientific Reports magazine.
They stated that by raising larger numbers of animals near mosquito breeding grounds, blood feeding becomes more accessible, potentially attracting more mosquitoes, improving their survival and raising the risk of disease transmission to humans, a phenomenon called zoopotentiation.
The survey, which assessed the influence of vegetation and livestock as predictors of malaria transmission in Nigeria, used data from the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey covering 1,389 household groups.
Malaria incidence was calculated by calculating the average number of people per group who had clinical symptoms of Plasmodium falciparum malaria during the survey year.
The researchers extrapolated that a 1-unit increase in cattle, chicken, and pigs is associated with a 0.03%, 3%, and 0.26% decrease in the risk of malaria incidence, respectively. While a 1-unit increase in the improved vegetation index, goats and sheep is associated with corresponding increases of 85%, 0.1% and 2% in the risk of malaria incidence, respectively.
In addition to commonly evaluated factors such as temperature and precipitation, vegetation cover has emerged as an important factor influencing malaria transmission, potentially providing resting places for mosquito vectors.
They noted that understanding these predictors can inform public health strategies aimed at reducing malaria transmission by addressing environmental and livestock management practices.
According to the researchers, “the dense vegetation structure characteristic of the tropical rainforests of southern Nigeria may contribute to increased malaria transmission in the region. Conversely, in regions with limited moisture content, such as some parts of northern Nigeria, the greenness of vegetation can serve as a proxy for rainfall, facilitating mosquito breeding and increasing the risk of disease transmission. malaria.
The study highlights the importance of considering local variations in transmission patterns when designing malaria early warning systems that integrate environmental and livestock factors.
“These personalized approaches can lead to more accurate early warning systems, crucial for effective malaria control. For example, one possible strategy that can be recommended is zooprophylaxis of livestock treated with insecticides in areas where mosquitoes can feed on both animal and human hosts, thus improving malaria control efforts.