Researchers, in a new study, have said keeping livestock within or near households should be included as mosquito control interventions in communities to reduce transmission of malaria.
Experts explained that livestock such as chickens, pigs, and dogs could help reduce mosquito density and malaria transmission by serving as bait to attract mosquitoes, thereby minimizing their interactions with humans.
Published in the journal Scientific Reports, the study evaluated the role of different livestock and vegetation as predictors of malaria incidence.
It found that livestock like cattle, pigs, and chickens could act as negative predictors of malaria transmission, making them potential tools for zooprophylaxis.
In contrast, goats and sheep were identified as positive predictors, with their presence linked to increased malaria risk.
The researchers also highlighted the concept of “zoopotentiation,” where fostering large numbers of animals near mosquito breeding sites could inadvertently enhance mosquito survival and disease transmission.
Using data from the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey, which covered 1,389 household clusters, the study calculated malaria incidence by averaging the number of individuals with clinical symptoms of Plasmodium falciparum malaria per cluster.
Key findings revealed that an increase in livestock such as cattle, chickens, and pigs correlates with a reduction in malaria incidence by 0.03%, 3%, and 0.26%, respectively.
However, increases in goats, sheep, and vegetation index were linked to higher malaria risks, with vegetation contributing significantly to mosquito breeding by providing resting places.
The study emphasized that vegetation, along with environmental factors like temperature and rainfall, plays a crucial role in malaria transmission. Dense vegetation in tropical rainforests, particularly in southern Nigeria, was associated with heightened malaria cases, while greener vegetation in drier northern regions indirectly indicated rainfall, facilitating mosquito breeding.
The researchers called for the development of malaria early warning systems tailored to local transmission patterns. They suggested strategies such as insecticide-treated livestock for zooprophylaxis in areas where mosquitoes feed on both humans and animals, aiming to enhance malaria control efforts.
By incorporating livestock and environmental management into public health strategies, the study concludes that Nigeria could adopt more effective, localized approaches to reduce malaria transmission and improve health outcomes.