Colonization of irrigation canals by Bulinus abyssinicus and upsurge of urinary schistosomiasis in the middle Awash Valley of Ethiopia.

The current status of urinary schistosomiasis and snail intermediate 1 hosts in the middle Awash Valley was assessed. Examination of urine by the filtration method for one camp (Assoba) in the Amibara Irrigation scheme showed high human prevalence (70%) and snail infection (7%). Of interest is the fact that now B. abyssinicus, the snail intermediate host of urinary schistosomiasis, has started colonizing the irrigation canals and that our of the infected individuals, 30.3% are itinerant population, possible irrigation workers. The immediate measures to be taken are suggested.