Molluscicide for the control of schistosomiasis in irrigation schemes: a study in Southern Rhodesia

The development of large areas of irrigation farming in the south-eastern lowveld of Southern Rhodesia has produced the risk of severe transmission of schistosomiasis over an extent of some 30 000 ha. Control measures instituted by the Ministry of Health were primarily directed against the large and widely distributed snail populations by using molluscicides. The chemical was applied to the irrigation water by drip-feed methods once every 6-8 months. The drains, however, were treated routinely by pairs of rangers searching for snails and applying chemical where they were found. The efficacy of control operations has been assessed by longitudinal studies in children free from infection to determine the incidence of infection. The results indicate that transmission of both Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni has been reduced to a level below that measured in areas of the country where irrigation is not practised. The total annual cost for this work was US$ 54 800-55 500.