Recent reports by Curtis (1995, 1996) document the distribution of freshwater snails which act as intermediate hosts to trematode parasites of man and livestock in the Omusati region (see figure I for a map of the area). The snails of importance are Bulinus globosus (Bilharzia vector) and Lymnaea natalensis (livestock liverfluke vector). Surveys of school children living near Olushandja Dam conducted by the Ministry of Health and Social Services found a high incidence of urinary bilharzia. Ombalantu hospital statistics reveal an increase in the number of confirmed cases, from 54 in 1994,107 in 1995, to 166 in 1996. Control measures recommended included a co-ordinated programme between Ministries to restrict access to high risk areas, clear vegetation and snails from designated access points and to continue monitoring snails populations. Ombalantu regional health sub-committee have also recommended the spread of information in the community as well as clean drinking water and toilet facilities (26 Feb 1997).