In a new study, experts have said keeping livestock such as chickens, dogs, and pigs within or near households should be included as mosquito control interventions in communities to reduce mosquito density and the transmission of malaria in Nigeria.
The study, which evaluated different livestock as risk factors for malaria incidence, declared that this approach can aid in vector control without exacerbating the issue of mosquito resistance to insecticides because this livestock can serve as bait to attract mosquitoes.
The researchers said 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, whereas livestock like cattle, pigs, and chickens are negative predictors, suggesting their potential for prophylactic use. It was in the journal, Scientific Reports.
They claimed that by fostering greater numbers of animals near mosquito breeding sites, blood meals become more accessible, potentially attracting more mosquitoes, enhancing their survival, and elevating the risk of disease transmission to humans, a phenomenon termed zoopotentiation.
The survey, which evaluated the influence of vegetation and livestock as predictors of malaria transmission in Nigeria, data from the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey covering 1389 clusters of households.
Malaria incidence was computed by calculating the average number of people per cluster who had clinical symptoms of Plasmodium falciparum malaria during the survey year.
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The researchers extrapolated that an increase of 1 unit in livestock cattle, chicken, and pig is associated with a decrease of 0.03%, 3%, and 0.26% risk of malaria incidence, respectively. Whereas an increase of 1 unit in the enhanced vegetation index, livestock goats and sheep are associated with corresponding increases of 85%, 0.1%, and 2% risk of malaria incidence, respectively.
In addition to commonly assessed factors like temperature and rainfall, vegetation cover has emerged as a significant factor influencing malaria transmission, potentially by providing resting places for mosquito vectors.
They pointed out 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 tropical rainforests in southern Nigeria may contribute to heightened malaria transmission in the region. Conversely, in regions with limited moisture content, such as some parts of northern Nigeria, vegetation greenness may serve as an indirect indicator of rainfall, facilitating mosquito breeding and increasing malaria transmission risk.
The study underscores the importance of considering local variations in transmission patterns when devising malaria early warning systems that integrate environmental and livestock factors.
“Such tailored approaches can lead to more accurate early warning systems, crucial for effective malaria control. For instance, one potential strategy that can be recommended is insecticide-treated livestock in zooprophylaxis in areas where mosquitoes can feed on both animal and human hosts, thereby enhancing malaria control efforts.”