title: Increasing the potential for malaria elimination by targeting zoophilic vectors.
abstract: Countries in the Asia Pacific region aim to eliminate malaria by 2030. A cornerstone of malaria elimination is the effective management of Anopheles mosquito vectors. Current control tools such as insecticide treated nets or indoor residual sprays target mosquitoes in human dwellings. We find in a high transmission region in India, malaria vector populations show a high propensity to feed on livestock (cattle) and rest in outdoor structures such as cattle shelters. We also find evidence for a shift in vector species complex towards increased zoophilic behavior in recent years. Using a malaria transmission model we demonstrate that in such regions dominated by zoophilic vectors, existing vector control tactics will be insufficient to achieve elimination, even if maximized. However, by increasing mortality in the zoophilic cycle, the elimination threshold can be reached. Current national vector control policy in India restricts use of residual insecticide sprays to domestic dwellings. Our study suggests substantial benefits of extending the approach to treatment of cattle sheds, or deploying other tactics that target zoophilic behavior. Optimizing use of existing tools will be essential to achieving the ambitious 2030 elimination target.
authors.affiliation: Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
authors.forename: Jessica L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Waite
authors.affiliation: Jigyansha, International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Sector 1, Rourkela, Odisha, India.
authors.forename: Sunita
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Swain
authors.affiliation: University of Exeter, College of Life &Environmental Sciences, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Penelope A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Lynch
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR), Sector 8, Dwarka, New Delhi-110 077, India.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Jigyansha, International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Sector 1, Rourkela, Odisha, India.
authors.forename: Mohammed Asrarul
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Haque
authors.affiliation: Eliminate Dengue Program, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, AUS.
authors.forename: Jacqui
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Montgomery
authors.affiliation: Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles / Q000502:physiology; D002417:Cattle; D060740:Disease Eradication; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008288:Malaria / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008954:Models, Biological; D000072138:Mosquito Vectors / Q000502:physiology*; D034101:Sporozoites / Q000502:physiology