Fifty years of research and fight against tsetse flies and animal trypanosomosis in Burkina Faso. An overview

Abstract

Tsetse flies and animal trypanosomosis (T&T) are the main constraints to animal production in Burkina Faso. This paper gives an overview of the various activities in the field of tsetse and trypanosomosis research and control that have led to the successful implementation of control campaigns and their positive impact on livestock production. Over the years, much effort had been put in the development of control tools and their implementation in Burkina Faso. A situation is made with the different campaigns against the T&T implemented in Burkina Faso, mainly in the patoral zones of Sidéradougou and Yalé. The life-time and achievements of these campaigns are discussed. The present situation of T&T is also discussed, especially the epidemiology of animal trypanosomosis, the innovations in diagnosis, social and economical impact, trypanotolerance and chemioresistance against trypanocides, appeared during the 1980s in the province of Kénédougou. Furthermore, the use of remote sensing to identify high risk zones in the country and the tsetse population genetics are described. Finally, conclusions are drawn to improve future control strategies of the Pan-African Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) in Burkina Faso.