A comparative analysis of the performance of field methods in the control of tsetse and trypanasomiasis: The case of Bugiri District in South Eastern Uganda.

Abstract

African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) commonly known as Nagana continues to be a threat to livestock health and food security in Uganda. In Bugiri District, AAT is still endemic despite several interventions, and is a major problem affecting livelihoods. This purpose of the study was to compare the performance of the different tsetse control methods: selective bush clearing, insecticide treated tsetse trapping and live bait technologies in the control of AAT in cattle in Iwemba and Nabukalu sub-counties, Bugiri district. The study also compared the prevalence of AAT in different age categories of cattle and ascertained the seasonal variation of tsetse fly species in Bugiri district. Blood samples were collected from 2400 cattle by venipuncture of coccygeal vein for microscopic observation for AAT parasites. Demographic data (species, age,sex, breed, herd size, owner and season) were recorded. Tsetse fly species and abundance were also investigated. The results showed that during pretreatment, AAT prevalence was significantly higher during dry season compared to wet season, but the reverse was true during post treatment. At post treatment, Trypanosoma vivax and T. congolense were detected in blood samples of adult, medium and young male and female cattle in the two sub-counties. AAT prevalence was higher in cattle subjected to insecticide treated traps followed by selective bush clearing and live bait control, and there was no significant statistical difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence of AAT across the three control techniques. The findings further showed that AAT was more prevalent in adult cattle followed by middle aged and young ones respectively. In addition, male cattle showed higher AAT prevalence compared to females. Regarding tsetse control traps, cattle subjected to the pyramidal trap control method showed the highest AAT prevalence followed by biconical and H-traps. Furthermore, tsetse flies were more abundant during the dry season compared to wet season, with Glossina fuscipes fuscipes being the most abundant tsetse fly species followed by G. pallidipes and G. morsitans. These results will be useful in assessing the possible risks of AAT transmission not only in Bugiri but also in other parts of the country. The results may also be used in designing future strategic control measures, including implementation of effective AAT integrated control measures for the growth of the livestock industry.