Protecting Dogs from Sand Flies with Insecticides
Author Information
Author(s): Richard Reithinger, Ueslei Teodoro, Clive R. Davies
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
Topical insecticides can protect dogs from sand fly vectors of leishmaniasis.
Conclusion
Deltamethrin collars significantly reduce sand fly bloodfeeding and survival, suggesting they may protect dogs from leishmaniasis.
Supporting Evidence
- Dogs treated with deltamethrin collars showed a significant reduction in sand fly bloodfeeding rates.
- The survival rate of bloodfed sand flies was reduced by up to 86% with deltamethrin collars.
- Diazinon treatment had no significant effect on sand fly feeding or survival.
- Permethrin and fenthion also reduced bloodfeeding but were less effective than deltamethrin.
Takeaway
This study shows that special collars can help keep dogs safe from sand flies that spread diseases.
Methodology
Dogs were treated with different insecticides and exposed to sand flies to measure bloodfeeding and survival rates.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of sedation in dogs, which may have affected sand fly recovery rates.
Limitations
The study was conducted under controlled conditions, which may not fully represent real-world scenarios.
Participant Demographics
All 17 dogs were mongrels from a farm in Brazil.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 43,78
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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