Consultants’ report: predicted distributions of tsetse in Africa

Abstract

The tsetse fly (genus Glossina) is found throughout the continent of Africa and is the primary vector of human and animal sleeping sickness. It is of substantial significance to human health and, through its impact on livestock, the economic welfare of rural farmers and stockowners. It is estimated that eradicating the disease would lead to as much as a threefold increase in cattle numbers within the afflicted areas (PAATIS) and to economic benefits of billions of dollars per year. As a result, the distributions of the various tsetse species are of significant interest to those concerned with rural poverty in developing Africa. Reliable assessments would permit planned disease prevention programmes through the suppression or control of the disease vector.