Modelling the Use of Insecticide-Treated Cattle to Control Tsetse and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense in a Multi-host Population

ABSTRACT

T. b. rhodesiense is the acute form of African human trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness which is common in East and Southern Africa. Trypanosomiasis is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei and transmitted by tsetse flies (genus Glossina spp). Treatment of livestock in sub-Saharan Africa with trypanocidal drugs has been hindered by drug resistance and proves to be too expensive for many farmers. Tsetse control methods include aerial and ground spraying; sterile insect technique; and bait technology; including the use of insecticide-treated cattle (ITC). We compared two techniques of application of insecticides on cattle using a mathematical model whole-body (WB); where insecticides are applied on the entire animals body and restricted application (RAP); where insecticides are applied on the legs; belly and ears of the animal