Density of #Chikungunya Vectors and #Platynectes beetles in the #Rubber Plantations by Sheikh Afaq Gowhar in BJSTR
Abstract
Introduction: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted to
humans through Stegomyia mosquitoes. Kerala was the worst affected State
in India in 2007 with a total of 55.8% of the reported Chikungunya fever
cases in the country from the State (NVBDCP, India). Almost all the
districts of Kerala were affected with the infection during 2006-2007.
Methodology: Population density of beetles in the latex
collection containers was evaluated once in fortnightly in all the three
study areas,
Aimcompu, Chethackal and Pampady. Fixed latex collection containers and
discarded latex collection containers in rubber plantations were
surveyed to find out the beetle density.
Results: The seasonal density of Platynectes beetles in the
rubber plantations was studied in all the three areas. Platynectes
beetles were
found in the latex collection containers in the rubber plantations and
the population density of the beetles per latex collection container was
found to be maximum during the south-west monsoon season which
contributes 50% rainfall annually rubber plantations of Kerala.
Conclusion: Temperature increased, the occurrence of
Platynectes beetle reduced in the LCC which increased the density of
juveniles of
St. Albopicta in latex collection containers results the improved adult
density of St. albopicta in the rubber plantation sectors of Kerala. The
minimum temperature and maximum rain recorded in the study areas during
southwest monsoon, which contributes almost 50% rainfall
yearly.
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