Mosquito Species Composition and Biting Rate in Rural Communities Adjacent to Kafin Zaki Dam, Bauchi State, North East Nigeria

Dam construction creates large standing water bodies that substantially alter local mosquito ecology, often increasing the abundance and diversity of malaria and arbovirus vectors. Kafin Zaki Dam in Bauchi State is a major irrigation and water storage facility, and communities in its shadow face elevated risk of vector-borne disease. This study investigates mosquito species composition and human biting rates in three rural communities at varying distances from Kafin Zaki Dam. Monthly mosquito collections using CDC light traps and human landing catches will be conducted over one year across communities located 1 km, 5 km, and 15 km from the dam. Morphological identification and sporozoite testing by ELISA will be performed on all Anopheles specimens. Biting rates will be calculated and compared between communities and seasons. Larval habitats adjacent to irrigation canals and dam margins will be characterized. This research provides the entomological evidence needed to evaluate whether proximity to Kafin Zaki Dam significantly elevates malaria vector exposure for local populations. Results will be disseminated to the Bauchi State Ministry of Health and the irrigation management authority of Kafin Zaki Dam. Keywords: mosquito biting rate, dam ecology, malaria vectors, Bauchi State, Kafin Zaki