Efficacy of Plant Origin Molluscicides: Control of Fascioliasis

Background: In the past, fascioliasis infection was limited to specific and typical geographical areas but is now widespread throughout the world. Human cases are increasingly reported from Europe the Americas and Oceania (where only F. hepatica is transmitted) and from Africa and Asia (where the two species overlap). Sheep and cattle are the most important definitive host. Several chemical molluscicides have been used for control of Fascioliasis and other snail-borne diseases over the last few decades. Among the most notable are copper sulphate and other copper salts which in the past have played major roles but largely have been discarded because of low efficiency and inactivation by various organic and inorganic matter in water. Objective: A new impetus to the study of plant molluscicides, which may be toxic to a specific vector yet harmless to non-target organisms. Conclusion: So control of snail vector population through plant origin molluscicides is a very effective and new tool of integrated vector management programme.