Effects of ivermectin treatment of backyard chickens on mosquito dynamics and West Nile virus transmission.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vector control strategies typically rely on pesticides to target mosquitoes involved in enzootic and zoonotic transmission of West Nile virus (WNV). Nevertheless, increasing insecticide resistance and a desire to reduce pesticide usage provide the impetus for developing alternative strategies. Ivermectin (IVM), an antiparasitic drug which is widely used in human and veterinary medicine, is a potential alternative for targeted control because Culex mosquitoes experience increased mortality following ingestion of IVM in bloodmeals.

Methodology/principal findings

We conducted a randomized field trial to investigate the impact of treating backyard chicken flocks with IVM in urban neighborhoods across Davis, California on mosquito populations and WNV transmission dynam

SUBMITTER: Holcomb KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9012369 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature