A review of the control of Simulium vectors of onchocerciasis

The purpose of this paper is to bring together all the available information concerning the control of Simulium vectors of onchocerciasis in Africa and Central and South America.Some of the larger control schemes are described in detail. Insecticidal formulations, rates of dosage, and methods of application are given when available, and costs per square mile (or square kilometre) are quoted where possible as a guide to future operations.The efficacy of ground application (larviciding) as compared with aerial application (larviciding and adulticiding) is discussed and it is concluded that ground larviciding is likely to achieve the best results, at less cost, in onchocercal foci where the vectors usually breed in small, densely wooded streams.Data in connexion with fly densities, prior and subsequent to control schemes, are quoted when available.