Principal Investigator: Frank Tenywa
Project leader/ Coordinator: Frank Tenywa
Project Administrator: Rose Philipo
Funding Partner: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
Start date: Oct. 1, 2026
End date: Oct. 31, 2027
Exploring cattle urine odour to improve malaria mosquito surveillance and control - 'SCUOTS Project'
The Synthetic Cattle Urine Odour Trapping System (SCUOTS) project aims to explore the potential of synthetic cattle urine odour as an attractant for malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, offering a possible new approach to mosquito surveillance and control in Tanzania.
Implemented at Ifakara Health Institute's Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU) in Bagamoyo from October 2026 to October 2027, the project will evaluate how effectively the SCUOTS odour blend attracts different malaria mosquito species and determine the distances over which it remains effective.
The research will focus on three major malaria vectors: Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles funestus and Anopheles arabiensis. Using controlled semi-field experiments, researchers will assess mosquito attraction across different sexes and life stages, including host-seeking, gravid and virgin mosquitoes.
The study will also investigate the lure's attraction range at distances of 1 to 30 metres, measuring mosquito responses at different exposure periods.
Why this project is important
Unlike conventional mosquito control approaches, SCUOTS explores mosquito nutrient-seeking behaviour as a potential way to attract malaria vectors. This could provide an alternative trapping strategy that may help address some limitations associated with insecticide resistance.
Findings from the project could contribute to the development of more effective mosquito attractants, strengthening malaria vector surveillance and supporting innovative mosquito control strategies in Tanzania.
The project is funded by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and will be led by Frank Tenwa, from Ifakara Health Institute, who serves as the Principal Investigator.
SCUOTS Project:
Exploring cattle urine odour to improve malaria mosquito surveillance and control
The Synthetic Cattle Urine Odour Trapping System (SCUOTS) project aims to explore the potential of synthetic cattle urine odour as an attractant for malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, offering a possible new approach to mosquito surveillance and control in Tanzania.
Implemented at Ifakara Health Institute's Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU) in Bagamoyo from October 2026 to October 2027, the project will evaluate how effectively the SCUOTS odour blend attracts different malaria mosquito species and determine the distances over which it remains effective.
The research will focus on three major malaria vectors: Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles funestus and Anopheles arabiensis. Using controlled semi-field experiments, researchers will assess mosquito attraction across different sexes and life stages, including host-seeking, gravid and virgin mosquitoes.
The study will also investigate the lure's attraction range at distances of 1 to 30 metres, measuring mosquito responses at different exposure periods.
Why this project is important
Unlike conventional mosquito control approaches, SCUOTS explores mosquito nutrient-seeking behaviour as a potential way to attract malaria vectors. This could provide an alternative trapping strategy that may help address some limitations associated with insecticide resistance.
Findings from the project could contribute to the development of more effective mosquito attractants, strengthening malaria vector surveillance and supporting innovative mosquito control strategies in Tanzania.
The project is funded by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and will be led by Frank Tenwa, from Ifakara Health Institute, who serves as the Principal Investigator.