Laboratory and field trials of a new molluscicide, Bayer 73, in Tanganyika

Abstract

In Tanganyika, there are at present few large irrigation systems, and observations so far carried out indicate that impounded waters play an important part in the transmission of bilharziasis. More recent studies suggest that, in the western half of the country, small temporary pools may be the most important habitats of the vector of Schistosoma haematobium. The present paper records a series of trials with a new molluscicide, Bayer 73, and, for comparison, with sodium pentachlorophenate, both in the laboratory and in a number of fish-ponds. It is considered that the chief significance of the results obtained is the effectiveness of Bayer 73, against the vectors of bilharziasis and their eggs, at concentrations much lower than are necessary in the case of other available molluscicides. This may permit of chemical control on a scale hitherto not envisaged. On the basis of these results, it would seem that this new molluscicide may play an important part in future snail control and eradication programmes, with consequent impact on the incidence of bilharziasis.