Abstract: Objective To preliminarily investigate the effect of ecological molluscicidal technique by Muscovy duck preying on Bulinus globosus in schistosomiasis endemic area of Zanzibar in East Africa,part of Tanzania. Methods The research was implemented at the vegetable garden of the experimental base,a cooperation project for schistosomiasis control and prevention assisted by China. Two Muscovy ducks were fed in experimental area,and the control area was fenced to prevent entry of Muscovy ducks. By the 10th,20th,30th,and 40th day,the number of adult Bulinus globosus and their off-springs were comprehensively measured,respectively,and the survival rate of adult snails was calculated. The behavior of Muscovy ducks preying on Bulinus globosus was directly observed. Results The survival rate of Bulinus globosus was lower in the experimental area than in the control area by the 10th,20th,30th and 40th day ( χ2 = 7. 566,20. 671,18. 039,19. 200,respectively, P< 0. 05). The number of offspring snails in the experimental area was from 13 to 60 heads,which was lower than that in the control area(320~ 963 heads). Adult Bulinus globosus can be crushed by the beak or directly swallowed by the Muscovy ducks upon water filtering at the beak or swallowing vegetables,and the offspring snails were more easily swallowed because of their small size. Conclusion Ecological molluscicidal technique can be effective,because Muscovy duck may prey on Bulinus globosus,leading to inhibition on the reproduction of this snail.

Key words: Bulinus globosus , Ecological molluscicidal technique, Muscovy duck, Zanzibar