Spatial distribution of tsetse flies within federal capital territory of Nigeria and suburbs

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the occurrence of tsetse and establish the impact of the flies contact with human and livestock in Barangoni community, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria. The study employed cross-sectional survey research design and the use of traps. Traps were set to catch tsetse flies along the bank of River Jeffy whereas survey research was used to collect information from herdsmen and community dwellers on impact of tsetse fly contact with livestock and human using structured questionnaire. Random sampling technique was adapted for the study. The sample size of the study was 31 respondents and consists of 19 city dwellers and 12 herdsmen. Data collected was analyzed using frequency count and percentage. The presence of tsetse fly (Glossina palpalis) was confirmed in Barangoni and both herdsmen and city dwellers experienced tsetse bite. The impact of the bites were extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, exercise intolerance such that caused the livestock to be weak, lag behind the mob and collapsed or may even die. This result suspects HAT and AAT in the community. Also the presence of tsetse in Barangoni indicates that the community is a tsetse infested area. It is therefore recommended that surveillance be extended to the community so as to map-out definite infested areas and subsequently, vector and disease control strategies deployed.

Keywords: Tsetse fly, Human African trypanosomiasis, Animal African trypanosomiasis, Spatial distribution