Vector control

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Vector control is any method to limit or eradicate the vectors of vector born diseases, for which the pathogen (e.g. virus or parasite) is transmitted by a vector which can be mammals, birds or arthropods, especially insects, and more specifically mosquitoes.

The most frequent type of vector control is mosquito control, which uses a variety of strategies, three of which are:

1. Habitat control: stagnant water is avoided, by removal of old tires, empty cans etc., and better management of used water;
2. Insecticides, spread over mosquito breeding zones, sprayed in houses, or impregnated in bednets;
3. Introduction of sterilised male mosquitoes, in order to reduce the vector breeding rate.

The first method is to be recommended whenever possible for its cost-effectiveness.