Tsetse and trypanosomiasis control measures: Restricted application of insecticide to livestock

Tsetse flies occur in 36 countries and a total area of about 10 million square kilometres in Africa. Throughout this area the disease transmitted by the tsetse fly, Trypanosomiasis (or Trypanosomosis), has a significant effect on large numbers of livestock. About 50 million cattle and tens of millions of small ruminants are considered to be at risk from Trypanosomiasis, and the disease is recognized to be an obstacle to poverty reduction and food security in Africa. In addition, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 60 million people, mainly living in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, are at risk of human African Trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness. Furthermore, a general decline in the capacity and funding of national veterinary institutions means that Trypanosomiasis-affected communities are forced to control the disease themselves. Consequently, community-based initiatives to control tsetse has become one of the major methods of controlling trypanosomiasis.