Seasonal distribution and abundance of tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) in the Faro and Deo Division of the Adamaoua Plateau in Cameroon

Abstract

Ten years after the large-scale tsetse control campaigns in the important cattle rearing areas of the Faro and Deo Division of the Adamaoua Plateau in Cameroon, the seasonal distribution and abundance of tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) were determined. During a period of 12 consecutive months (January-December 2005), the tsetse population was monitored along four trap transects consisting of a total of 32 traps and two flyround transects traversing the study area, which comprised the tsetse-infested valley, a buffer zone and the supposedly tsetse-free plateau. Throughout the study period, a total of 2195 Glossina morsitans submorsitans and 23 Glossina tachinoides were captured in the traps and 1007 G. m. submorsitans (78.8% male flies) were captured along the flyround transects. All G. tachinoides and almost all G. m. submorsitans were captured in the valley. Five G. m. submorsitans were captured in traps located in the buffer zone, whereas no flies were captured in traps located on the plateau. The index of apparent abundance (IAA) of G. m. submorsitans was substantially higher in the areas close to game reserves. In the remaining part of the valley, where wildlife is scarce and cattle are present during transhumance (dry season), the IAA of tsetse was substantially lower. In this part of the valley, the abundance of tsetse seemed to be associated with the presence of cattle, with the highest IAA during transhumance when cattle are present and the lowest apparent abundance during the rainy season when cattle have moved to the plateau. It is concluded that the distribution of tsetse in a large part of the valley undergoes substantial seasonal changes depending on the presence or absence of cattle. The repercussions of those findings for the control of tsetse in the valley and the probability of reinvasion of the plateau are discussed.

Lack of evidence for sufficiently isolated populations of Glossina morsitans submorsitans on the Adamawa Plateau of Cameroon following geometric morphometric analysis

“…The relative densities of G. m. submorsitans for the three main trap sites (Nguemfiti, Kontcha and Benoue National Park) were estimated at 9.6, 7.4 and 3.7 flies/ trap/day, respectively. These densities were superior to the index of apparent abundance reported by Mamoudou et al [31] for other villages in the same region where the present study was undertaken. The differences may simply be due to differences in biotopes as our study sites were more remote and inaccessible than those of MaCopyright © 2013 SciRes.…”

“…During a longitudinal study in the Adamawa region it was found that the incidence of trypanosomosis was high in the valley (3.7% -20%) and the buffer zone (1.8% -13.4%), and was significantly lower (0% -2.1%) on the plateau where tsetse clearing had previously been undertaken [31]. They also caught mainly Glossina morsitans submorsitans and a few G. tachinoides in the valley and the buffer zone, but none on the plateau and concluded that the distribution of tsetse, in a large part of the valley, undergoes substantial seasonal changes depending on either the presence or absence of cattle.…”

“…Openly accessible at http://www.scirp.org/journal/ae/ moudou et al [31]. During a longitudinal study in the Adamawa region it was found that the incidence of trypanosomosis was high in the valley (3.7% -20%) and the buffer zone (1.8% -13.4%), and was significantly lower (0% -2.1%) on the plateau where tsetse clearing had previously been undertaken [31].…”

Past and Ongoing Tsetse and Animal Trypanosomiasis Control Operations in Five African Countries: A Systematic Review

“…morsitans submorsitans , and G . tachinoides [51]. Preventive and curative trypanocidal drugs were administered to cattle by government services from 1960 to 1975 in the regions of Adamawa, East and North.…”

Insecticide and Repellent Mixture Pour-On Protects Cattle against Animal Trypanosomosis

“…The vegetation in this area is diversified, with two main groups of bushlands dominated by Daniellia oliveri and Lophira lanceolata covering the Plateau of Adamaoua [20]. Rivers present in this area harbor gallery forests infested by two tsetse species: Glossina morsitans submorsitans and Glossina tachinoides [21]. Up to 7 tick species are also present with Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus and Amblyomma variegatum as principal abundant species [22].…”