Seasonal dynamics of rodent fleas and its implication on control strategies in Lushoto district, north‐eastern Tanzania

Abstract

AbstractFundamental to the development of a comprehensive pest management system for rodent fleas in the western Usambara Mountains, is an understanding of their seasonal dynamics. In this study data collected in Lushoto district in the Usambara mountains, north‐east Tanzania, from July 1989 to May 1991 have been used to elucidate the seasonal dynamics of corporeal fleas of Mastomys natalensis and other rodent species. Prevalence (proportion of hosts infested by fleas) reached peak levels in December and January, for M. natalensis and the other species of rodents. Generally prevalence was high in the period October to March. The intensity of fleas (flea indices) was highest in December/January and declined rapidly in April/May at the peak of the rainy season. It was further observed that fleas were most abundant on rodent hosts when ambient temperatures were 22–26°C during November to April. This is probably due to increased progeny production in rodent nests as a result of favourable conditions of temperature and humidity. It is concluded that if a programme of flea control on field rodents is to be implemented, it has to be carried out from November to May when flea abundance and intensity are high. In view of the problems of controlling rodent fleas using conventional methods over a large geographical area, it is proposed that the most appropriate method for adoption in the Lushoto plague focus is to use bait stations and bait boxes treated with an effective insecticide against fleas.