Case reports on control of Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails with Phytolacca dodecandra berries

Three case reports are given on the control of Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the intermediate snailhost of Schistosoma mansoni, occurring in the highlands of Ethiopia. Control was effected by applying Phytolacca dodecandra berry suspensions on two different rivers. A method of application by siphoning the suspension into the river is described. Both rivers were densely populated with B. pfeifferi, but with only 2.5-3.5 kg of berries their presence could be reduced to almost nil. Except for fish, the water fauna was not affected. However, 4 weeks after treatment fish were again present.