Host preference of <i>Anopheles stephensi</i> mosquitoes for blood feeding in south of Iran: Insights from Multiplex‐PCR analysis

Approximately 50% of An. stephensi blood meals were sourced from humans, with 29% exclusively from humans and 23% from mixed hosts. Domestic animals such as goats, sheep, and chickens appear to attract mosquitoes, highlighting their potential role in malaria dynamics. Zooprophylaxis, alongside existing measures like insecticide residual spraying, insecticide-treated bed nets, and personal protection strategies, may strengthen urban malaria control. Further research on the ecological and behavioural drivers of mosquito host selection in urban settings is warranted.