Box 4.

Current research priorities for vector and reservoir control

• Develop rapid and accurate diagnostic test for dogs infected with zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis
• Measure impact of community-wide use of insecticide treated dog collars on the incidence of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis in children in different settings
• Measure impact of using insecticide treated bed nets on leishmaniasis in different settings, including the relative impacts of household protection versus the mass effect
• Test effectiveness of new applications of insecticide—such as cattle sponging against visceral leishmaniasis in Indian subcontinent, insect repellent lamps in regions with high rates of indoor biting at dusk by sandfly vectors, insecticide treated bed sheets and clothing or plastic sheeting for refugee camps
• Develop high resolution maps of leishmaniasis risk and amenability to particular control activities in order to help rationalise the targeting of interventions