Control of an outbreak of rove beetle dermatitis in an isolated camp in a game reserve

Abstract

An incapacitating outbreak of rove beetle dermatitis (Paederus sabaeus Er.: Staphylinidae) which occurred in an isolated game reserve camp was correctly diagnosed after comparing facilities in the camp with those in a nearby disease-free camp. The problem was quickly controlled by reducing the number of artificial lights, by changing the mercury tube lights to ordinary light bulbs and by conducting environmental sanitation measures, including fumigation of the compound with HCH (BHC, lindane). At the time of implementing the control measures, work on feasibility studies for a large dam project had come to a standstill.