Evaluating the impact of declining tsetse fly (Glossina pallidipes) habitat in the Zambezi valley of Zimbabwe

Abstract

Tsetse flies transmit trypanosomes that cause Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) in humans and African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) in animals. Understanding historical trends in the spatial distribution of tsetse fly habitat is necessary for planning vector control measures. The objectives of this study were (i) to test for evidence of any trends in suitable tsetse fly habitat and (ii) to test whether there is an association between trypanosomiasis detected from livestock sampled in dip tanks and local tsetse habitat in the project area. Results indicate a significant decreasing trend in the amount of suitable habitat. There is no significant correlation between trypanosomiasis prevalence rates in cattle and distance from patches of suitable tsetse habitat. The observed low trypanosomiasis prevalence and the lack of dependence on suitable tsetse fly habitat can be explained by the observed decreases in suitable tsetse habitat, which themselves are due to expansion of settlement and agriculture in North Western Zimbabwe.

Effects of Human Settlements and Spatial Distribution of Wing Vein Length, Wing Fray Categories and Hunger Stages in Glossina morsitans morsitans (Diptera: Glossinidae) and Glossina pallidipes (Diptera: Glossinidae) in Areas Devoid of Cattle in North-Eastern Zambia

“…Tsetse-infested areas that are least exposed to human activity are known to be subjected to the least levels of tsetse fly habitat deterioration, and the rate of decline in habitat quality tends to be dependent on the nature and pattern of manifestation of the human-associated factors involved ( Reid et al 2000 , Schowalter 2012 , Anderson et al 2015 , Matawa et al 2019 ). Considering the difference in the relative proximity to the human settlements, among the sections of the transect in the Mpika and Rufunsa sites, this link between of human activities and degradation of tsetse habitat quality could explain the observed relationship between increase in distance away from the human settlements, and distribution of body size, age, and hunger state in G. m. morsitans, in the two sites.…”

The one health perspective to improve environmental surveillance of zoonotic viruses: lessons from COVID-19 and outlook beyond

“…Biodiversity loss can have contrasting effects on disease persistence, as declines in host populations attenuates the transmission cycle for diseases requiring vectors, or those that are highly specific [ 53 ]. However, parallel declining numbers in a predator population allows for some reservoir hosts to proliferate better [ 54 ].…”