Capture of high numbers of Simulium vectors can be achieved with Host Decoy Traps to support data acquisition in the onchocerciasis elimination endgame

Onchocerciasis elimination is within reach in many countries but requires enhanced surveillance of the Simulium vectors Onchocerca volvulus. Collection sufficient numbers adult to detect infective O. volvulus larvae hindered by limited sampling tools for these flies. Here, we tested first time Host Decoy Trap (HDT), an exposure free method previously developed Anopheles malaria parasites, as a potential tool Simulium. In three replicates randomized Latin square experimental design, HDT was compared Human Landing Catches (HLC) and Esperanza Window (EWT). A total 8,531 S. damnosum sensu lato blackflies (S. squamosum group) were found catches from different trapping methods. The (mean catch 533 ± 111) caught significantly more than EWT 9.1 2.2), nearly 60-fold difference. There no significant difference between HLC 385.6 80.9) HDT. Larvae indistinguishable those dissected 2.86% samples (n = 70) 0.35% 285); single third-stage (L3) during dissection sample Owing its very high capture rate, which comparable greater EWT, alongside presence infected flies catch, represents potentially valuable new blackfly collection settings, where thousands are needed parasite screening.