A review of the evolution of trappiing strategies for the control of trypanosomiasis and tsetse flies (Glossina spp) in africa (1908 -2004)

Abstract

Trypanosomiasis is a protozoan disease transmitted by blood-sucking tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) in man and some land vertebrates in sub-Saharan Africa. It is among the major constraints to socio-economic development in the region owing to their debilitating and fatal effects on man and his domestic animals. This paper reviews the changes in the development of control strategies against the disease over the century, and briefly appraises the prospects of the success of a newly launched continental eradication campaign programme. Several strategies have been employed to contain the disease since the turn of the 20^th century. These included chemo-therapeutic and chemo-prophylactic control of infections and attacks on vector populations, such as partial or complete clearance of vegetation (habitat) and destruction of wild reservoir hosts (food source) and the use of insecticidal sprays. The results varied from total failure in most places to partial success in a few. Failure in control could be attributed to inadequate knowledge on the biology, ecology and behaviour of the vector-parasite-host relationship. The failure of insecticides, especially DDT, to achieve permanent control prompted scientists to intensify research and make concerted effort to find more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative control strategies. Today, efficient odour-baited attracting mechanical killing devices have been developed which, through pilot control projects, have proved to be effective in causing drastic reduction of vector populations and subsequent disease prevalence. The results from these trials have convinced the African Union (AU) to formulate a policy for the eradication of tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis, The Pan-African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC), for adoption by all African countries that are infested with tsetse flies. The programme was launched in 2005, in many parts of Africa including Ghana.