Epidemiology of leishmaniasis in Kenya—III. Host preference studies using various types of animal baits at animal burrows in Marigat, Baringo District

An investigation was carried out around animal burrows in Marigat, Baringo District (Kenya) for 6 months to observe host attraction or host preference of phlebotomine sandflies. Six different kinds of caged animals from groups of Rodentia, Aves, Reptilia, Carnivora and Bovis were used. The host preference of Phlebotomus duboseqi, P. martini and Sergentomyia ingrami were distinctive. Most of the Sergentomyia species preferred feeding on reptilian hosts as is indicated in the blood meal analysis. Among the species were opportunistic feeders on hosts which appeared not to be favoured hosts.