Operational Evaluation of Malathion ULV Spraying for Housefly (Musca domestica) Control in Abattoir Environments in Kaduna State

Houseflies are mechanical vectors of diarrheal pathogens, typhoid fever, and enteric helminths, and their populations reach extreme densities in abattoir environments where organic waste is abundant. Kaduna State operates several government-licensed abattoirs that serve as major protein supply nodes for the North West zone. This study operationally evaluates the effectiveness of malathion ultra-low volume (ULV) ground spraying as a management tool for Musca domestica populations in two government abattoirs in Kaduna State. Fly populations will be monitored using sticky fly ribbons and Scudder grill sampling before and at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after ULV application. WHO tube bioassays will be used to confirm malathion susceptibility in the target population prior to application. Comparative efficacy will be assessed between single application and repeated fortnightly spray schedules. Temperature and wind data will be recorded at each application to assess environmental application conditions. The study will also evaluate compliance with WHO operational guidelines for ULV application in enclosed food processing environments. This research provides practical performance data relevant to the Kaduna State Environmental Sanitation Authority and informs procurement decisions for public health pesticide programs. Keywords: housefly control, malathion ULV, Musca domestica, abattoir sanitation, Kaduna State