First report of colonies of sylvatic Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in the Paraguayan Chaco, using a trained dog

Date

2011-05

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Public Library of Science

Abstract

Confirmation of sylvatic colonies of Triatoma infestans has a significant connotation for Paraguay, which is prone to persistent domestic infestations. Incorporating a trained dog (NERO) to the research team was highly successful. This article describes the dog training process and its importance for the early detection of vectoral transmission of Chagas disease. The surprising ability that NERO has demonstrated will enable the project to provide specific data regarding unknown wild ecotopes of T. infestans, as well as the potential use of trained dogs for community surveillance of triatomine species, which is considered particularly important for public health.

Description

Keywords

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, DISEASE CONTROL, CHAGAS DISEASE, TRIATOMA INFESTANS, SYLVATIC FOCI, FORESTS, GRAN CHACO, PARAGUAY, DISEASE VECTORS, INSECTS, ECOHEALTH, DOGS, SOUTH AMERICA

Citation

Rolón, M., Vega, M.C., Román, F., Gómez, A., & Rojas de Arias, A. (2011). First Report of Colonies of Sylvatic Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in the Paraguayan Chaco, Using a Trained Dog. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 5, 1-7.doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0001026

DOI