Abstract
BackgroundTsetse flies are the cyclical vectors of both human and animal diseases. Kenya’s commitment to eradicate tsetse and trypanosomiasis dates to the 1980s through various control approaches which were spearheaded by the African Union. The aggressive control programmes together with climatic, land-use, and socio-economic changes immensely contributed to the reduction of African trypanosomiasis. Since 2012, Kenya has not recorded a case of human trypanosomiasis. However, African animal trypanosomiasis remains a major challenge to livestock production in 38 out of 47 counties. We aimed to determine the prevalence of tsetse flies and trypanosome infection rate and to build the capacity of small-holder livestock producers in vector control activities in Busia county.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2018 and December 2018 in Busia county, a beneficiary of the previous African Union-led trypanosomiasis and tsetse control initiatives. Odour-baited biconical traps were deployed for 48 h in five sampling areas. Captured tsetse flies were analysed by microscopy for trypanosome infections. Additionally, training and field demonstrations were conducted as part of capacity building to enhance participation of small-holder livestock producers in tsetse control activities.ResultsA total of 94 tsetse flies mainly Glossina fuscipes fuscipes were captured from the five sampling areas. The apparent fly densities range from 0.08 to 1.55 tsetse per trap per day. Additionally, 75 biting flies mainly Stomoxys spp. were also trapped. An overall tsetse infection rate of 1.39% and 4.17% was observed for Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma vivax, respectively. Regarding capacity building, a total of 26 small-holder livestock producers were trained on tsetse and trypanosomiasis control activities. Out of which, five were selected as focal persons and were further trained on integrated vector management techniques and tsetse survey methods.ConclusionsOur findings revealed the existence of trypanosome-infected tsetse flies which could potentially spread to other parts of the county. Training of small-holder livestock producers in tsetse and trypanosomiasis control activities should be supported and integrated in the county animal health and veterinary services. Given the observed low tsetse densities and trypanosome infection rates, the elimination of trypanosomiasis in Busia county is feasible.
Highlights
Tsetse flies are the cyclical vectors of both human and animal diseases
Over the years, concerted efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other stakeholders, such as national governments, non-governmental organisations, and pharmaceutical companies, have greatly contributed to the reduction of trypanosomiasis in Africa. This success has necessitated the current WHO target of eliminating human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) in endemic foci by the year 2030 [1,2,3,4]
The Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC), established in 2012, recognises distinct diverse zones or ‘tsetse fly belts’ in the country infested by eight tsetse fly species
Summary
Tsetse flies are the cyclical vectors of both human and animal diseases. Kenya’s commitment to eradicate tsetse and trypanosomiasis dates to the 1980s through various control approaches which were spearheaded by the African Union. Trypanosome parasites are mainly transmitted through bites of infected tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) To date, both human and animal trypanosomiasis affect the poor and marginalised populations of sub-Saharan Africa. Over the years, concerted efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other stakeholders, such as national governments, non-governmental organisations, and pharmaceutical companies, have greatly contributed to the reduction of trypanosomiasis in Africa. This success has necessitated the current WHO target of eliminating human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) in endemic foci by the year 2030 [1,2,3,4]. The risk of HAT in game parks and animal conservation areas is low, they remain important sources of tsetse exposure to travellers and tourists [12,13,14,15]
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