[Evaluation on molluscicidal effect of suspension concentrate of metaldehyde and niclosamide]

Zi-Ping Bao1, Chun-Li Cao, Jian-Rong Dai

  • 1National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai 200025, China.

Abstract

Insights

The new molluscicide, suspension concentrate of 26% metaldehyde and niclosamide (MNSC), shows effectiveness comparable to existing treatments. MNSC offers advantages like easy application and half the active ingredient concentration, making it a promising alternative for snail control.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Pest Management
  • Toxicology

Context:

  • Schistosomiasis control relies on effective molluscicides to target snail intermediate hosts.
  • Existing molluscicides like wettable powder of 50% niclosamide ethanolamine salt (WPN) have limitations.
  • Developing novel, efficient, and user-friendly molluscicides is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the molluscicidal efficacy of a new suspension concentrate formulation containing 26% metaldehyde and niclosamide (MNSC).
  • To compare the effectiveness of MNSC against Oncomelania snails with a standard formulation (WPN) under laboratory and field conditions.
  • To assess the performance of MNSC using both immersion and spray application methods.

Summary:

  • Laboratory studies demonstrated MNSC's potent molluscicidal activity, with LC50 values lower than WPN and achieving 100% mortality at specific concentrations via immersion.
  • Both immersion and spray methods in field trials across multiple provinces showed MNSC achieving high snail mortality rates (97-100% and 83-94%, respectively), comparable to WPN.
  • MNSC exhibited excellent water solubility, rapid dispersion, and ease of use, with a significantly lower active ingredient concentration compared to WPN.

Impact:

  • MNSC demonstrates comparable molluscicidal efficacy to WPN, suggesting it is a viable alternative for snail intermediate host control.
  • The formulation's improved physical properties (solubility, dispersibility, ease of use) enhance practical application in public health programs.
  • MNSC's reduced active ingredient requirement offers potential environmental and economic benefits, supporting its promotion for widespread field use.

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