Alternative insecticides: an urgent need.
Zaim M, Guillet P.
Strategy Development and Monitoring for Parasitic Diseases and Vector Control, Communicable Disease Control, Prevention and Eradication, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland. zaimm@who.int
Most insecticides used against pests and vectors of human disease (e.g. fleas, flies and mosquitoes) are spin-offs from agrochemical research and development. The arsenal of safe and cost-effective public health insecticides is being depleted by restrictions for various reasons (e.g. insecticide resistance, unacceptable side effects and non re-registration) and the number of new products launched is dwindling. Mobilizing public resources and establishment of partnerships to support research and development of public health insecticides is crucial in the post-DDT and post-pyrethroid era.
PMID: 11998703 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]