Preventing Onchocerciasis through Blackfly Control

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Human onchocerciasis, which produces disability and /or blindness among millions of Africans, is caused by a filarioid worm transmitted by blackfies. Control of the blackfty has been attempted mainly with chemical pesticides, but supplementary biological methods of greater environmental acceptability are needed. Mermithids, which parasitize blackflies, are widely regarded as the leading candidates: in North America more than 95% mortality occurs in some populations of blackflies parasitized by certain genera of mermithids. A collaborative project is outlined between the Organisation de Coordination et de Cooperation pour la Lutte contre les Grandes Endemies, which covers eight francophone West African countries, and Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, for investigation of the feasibility of using mermithids as blackfty control agents in Africa. The project, which would take five years, involves studies of the biology and ecology, and methods of mass production of mermithids, as well as field trials. It also includes a training component for African students.