Arthropod vectors  Tsetse flies
Tsetse flies
Author: Dr Reginald De Deken
Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license.
INTRODUCTION
Tsetse flies, being the vector of human and animal trypanosomosis, constitute one of the major health
and agricultural livelihood constraints of sub-Saharan Africa. It had long been known that domestic
stock could not be kept where tsetse flies occurred and that disease was associated with the flies.
However, it was not until Bruce, working in Zululand in 1895, demonstrated the transmission of
pathogenic trypanosomes of livestock by tsetse flies that the reason for livestock deaths became
known. The role of tsetse flies as vectors of human trypanosomosis was also demonstrated by Bruce
(Bruce et al., 1909).
The presence of tsetse flies has been a major obstacle to the development of much of the continent.
There are those, even now, who look upon the tsetse fly as the guardian of the natural ecosystems of
Africa, and who would like this fly to remain until humans have learnt to manage the land in a
sustainable manner. At present, though, the human population of Africa is expanding rapidly, and the
economic situation is such that the livelihood of the burgeoning population can, for the most part, be
accommodated only as subsistence farmers. The importance of livestock to such people is very high,
not only as a source of food, draught power, and money, but also for the important role that livestock,
especially cattle, play in cultural affairs. Under these circumstances it is essential to try to eliminate, or
at least control, the diseases of livestock, amongst which trypanosomosis plays a major role in SubSaharan Africa. If tsetse flies wouldn’t be capable of spreading African animal and human
trypanosomosis, their impact on the African continent would be minimal. Therefore it is also important
to have knowledge of the factors (environmental, physiological, host/vector interactions, etc.) that can
influence the transmission of the pathogen by the vector.
For those, who aren’t familiar with the morphology of tsetse flies (see Dr. Livingstone’s tsetse
collection), the morphological differences between tsetse and other haematophagous diptera will be
explained as well as the morphological and habitat characteristics of the three distinct tsetse fly
groups.
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Arthropod vectors  Tsetse flies
Dr. Livingstone’s Tsetse collection
In July 2000 the Lomé meeting of Heads of State of the Organization of African Unity decided to
eradicate the tsetse fly from the African continent. The Pan African Trypanosomosis and Tsetse
Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) was borne. At first glance, it may be surprising why tsetse flies
aren’t eradicated already, since the tsetse fly produces at most a single larva per week and is
extremely susceptible to insecticides. However, some important issues have to be solved before
tsetse eradication may be accomplished.
Available multimedia
In depth information and analysis on specific issues related to the
problem of tsetse & trypanosomosis, its management and
intervention strategies can be found at the Programme Against
African Trypanosomosis (PAAT) website:
http://www.fao.org/Ag/againfo/programmes/en/paat/papers.html
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