Sandflies and Disease in Cyprus; 1944 – 1985

Abstract

The island of Cyprus was extensively surveyed for sandflies in the period 26 June-26 July 1985, and results were compared to a survey conducted in August-September 1944. Phlebotomus papatasi was found in several urban (Larnaca, Nicosia and Limmasol) and village collections in Larnaca District in 1986 and other species were also detected in smaller numbers (P. galilaeus, P. sergenti, P. tobbi, Sergentomyia fallax, S. antennata group and S. minuta). Flies were collected by electric or mouth suction aspirators in buildings and by oiled sheets associated with lights outdoors. Two CDC light traps were also used outdoors. The results indicated that the phlebotomine fauna of Cyprus has survived the household spraying of insecticides used in the Malaria Eradication Campaign (ended ca. 1950) virtually unscathed. Figures for cases of sandfly transmitted diseases (sandfly fever, cutaneous leishmaniasis and visceral leishmaniasis) are given, and a key to the sandflies of Cyprus is presented.