Using guppies to control Chikungunya: A challenge for DSCC

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) must overcome a number of hurdles in its innovative approach to control a Chikungunya outbreak by using guppy fish to limit mosquito populations, according to previous research by an NGO. DSCC Mayor Mohammad Sayeed Khokon released the first guppies at Stamford University on Monday, beginning the ambitious project to control the spread of disease carrying mosquito populations.   DSCC mayor said that many more fish would be required to act in the drains, canals, lakes and other water bodies under the jurisdiction of the city corporation Dhaka TribuneDuring the releasing ceremony, the mayor said that many more fish would be required to act in the drains, canals, lakes and other water bodies under the jurisdiction of the city corporation. However, according to a study by the Malaria Consortium, the DSCC has to address multiple challenges to ensure the project's success. The NGO’s report on the use of use of guppies as a natural control for disease in Cambodia was published in December 2016. [arve url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osDHSIfmymc"/]

Food

Feeding the fish will be an issue for the DSCC. The Malaria Consortium’s study used rice sucks commonly sold in markets, but found that they were unclean, and killed the guppies. Fish food bought from markets worked well, but was prohibitively expensive when used on a mass scale. As a solution to these issues, the study recommended using rice husks bought directly from farmers to ensure both cleanliness and quality.

Use as pets

It was found that children, attracted by the guppies’ colourful appearance, were prone to catching them and taking them home as pets. The study recommended the use of schools and community workshops to educate both parents and children about the importance of leaving the fish in the water. The study also encouraged using small-scale community outreach programs to educate the local population about the initiative, and to gain their assistance in caring for the fish in order to reduce the mosquito populations.

Predators

Finally, the study advised using natural methods to lower populations of the natural predators of guppy fish - frogs, lizards and geckos - without endangering the local ecosystem. Such natural engineering is a highly delicate process, so it remains to be seen if DSCC has the resources – or the expertise – to be able to undertake it.

Here is the highlights of a Cambodian study: