Vector snail control in Qalyub, Egypt.

The author describes a pilot study in vector snail control carried out in 1953-54 by the Bilharziasis Control Project in Qalyub, Egypt.After giving a brief description of the site chosen for the Project-an area of some 5000 acres (2000 hectares) under perennial irrigation-he presents a detailed account of the various snail surveys of the irrigation canals and drains and of the molluscicidal treatment of infested channels.He points out that despite the thoroughness of the surveying and treatment the snails were not completely eliminated from the area and stresses that the high cost of the molluscicide used (copper sulfate) would prohibit its widespread and continual use. He considers, however, that pending the perfection of such long-term bilharziasis control measures as improved sanitation, better treatment facilities, and health education of the public, snail control is of the first importance and determined efforts should be made to find more efficient and cheaper methods of effecting it.