Scientists say malaria-transmitting mosquitoes actively avoid feeding on certain animal species such as chickens, using their sense of smell. The new findings show odors emitted by chickens may provide protection for humans at risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases. Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences says the research indicates that, unlike humans, cattle, goats and sheep, chickens are a non-host species and mosquitoes have developed ways of distinguishing them from host species. The research team collected data on the population of human and domestic animals in three Ethiopian villages. Meatingplace reports the researchers found that significantly fewer mosquitoes were caught in traps baited with chicken compounds than in other traps.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.