Effects of Cyfluthrin and Actellic Super Dust on Flea Pests of Livestock and Disease Vectors in Tanzania

Abstract

Blood-fed laboratory-reared Xenopsylla brasiliensis, X. cheopis and Ctenocephalides felis were exposed to dust formulations of cyfluthrin and actellic super for periods varying from 0.5 to 24 hours. Laboratory-reared Mastomys natalensis infested with these flea species were exposed to fine sand mixed with the above insecticides for 24 hours. Cyfluthrin produced 100% mortality of C. felis, X. brasiliensis and X.cheopis after exposure periods of 24, 24 and 8 hours respectively. LT₅₀ for the insecticide was less than 30 minutes in all the three species. Actellic super killed 100% X. cheopis and C.felis after 24 hours and  12 hours exposure respectively.   LT₅₀ for the insecticide was about 6 hours and 36 minutes in X. cheopis and C. felis respectively. The results were generally interpreted to suggest that both cyfluthrin and actellic super dusts were effective against the flea species in question and that the insecticides were suitable for controlling flea vectors of plague and pests of domestic animals in Tanzania. Actellic super was recommended for use by peasants in the country in view of its local availability, low cost, and effectiveness against many arthropods of medical, veterinary and agricultural importance. However, monitoring of its application and surveillance for prompt detection of any development of resistance were emphasised