Effect of Mosquito Repellents on Animal Health:An Overview

Mosquito borne diseases, such as, malaria, filariasis, dengue, yellow fever and encephalitis are continuing to be major public health problems throughout the world. Vector eradication or control in larval or adult condition is very much essential for reduction of vector borne diseases. Larval mosquito control can be done by Mechanical, Chemical, Biological or Integrated methods where as individual protection is the only method to escape from aduJt mosquitoes. Individuai protection from adult mosquitoes can be obtained by using mosquito nets or application of repellents in the form of mats, coils, lotions and vaporizers. Marketing of repellents in India is well organized, so that many brands can be found in the markets. According to V. P. Sharma (2001), the current Indian market for various repellents is in the range of Rs 500-600 crores with annual growth of 7 to 10% [Current Sc ience, 80(3) t 341-342].