BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS OF CYCLOPOID COPEPOD, VECTOR OF DRACUNCULIASIS: LABORATORY EXPERIENCE

Abstract

In order to determine the predating capability of some indigenous fishes to Nigeria on cyclopoid copepods, the vector of Dracunculus medinensis, species of three genera of fishes were fled experimentally with Cyclops in the presence or absence of alternate food substances as described in the text.
The study revealed that indigenous fishes like Hemicromis fasciatus; Barbus occidentalis, Tilapia nilotica and T galilea were identified as very effective indigenous biological control agent of Cyclops-the vector of dracunculiasis. The benefits of rearing these fishes in village ponds are highlighted. It is believed that there would be no longer cases of resurgence of dracunculiasis in areas where transmission has been broken when the biological agents are used in concert with filtration method.


(Af. J. of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology: 2002 3(2): 98-103)