Browsing by Author "Byamungu, Mechtilda"

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    Population ecology of tsetse fly (glossina species) in relation to trypanosomiasis management in western Serengeti
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2019) Byamungu, Mechtilda
    The population ecology of Glossina species was investigated in western Serengeti focusing on seasonal spatial distribution, abundance and age composition. Other aspects included the host range of trypanosome infection levels in Glossina swynnertoni Newstead and G. pallidipes Austen. As well, the knowledge of agro-pastoralists on tsetse fly (Glossina spp) and trypanosomiasis was assessed. Tsetse fly was collected by using the Nzi traps, findings indicated that G.pallidipes and G.swynnertoni are the main species with G.brevipalpis Newstead also recorded in very low numbers. The overall tsetse abundance with in the reserves was similar in both wet and dry season, whereas very few flies were found in the farming area. The distribution of tsetse populations within the reserves differed depending on the vegetation cover. More tsetse flies catches were found in the open woodland and savannah vegetation than in the riverine and grassland vegetation. Trypanosomes were recorded in tsetse flies that re infective to human and livestock. ITS I PCR detected a higher prevalence of trypanosomes in tsetse flies and cattle than microscopy. Tsetse blood meal analysis indicated that the preferred hosts for Glossina species in the study area are buffaloes, human and others hosts are giraffes, warthogs, and elands. The assessment of knowledge, about the tsetse fly (Glossina spp) and trypanosomiasis among the agro-pastoralists communities around the Ikorongo and Grumeti reserves revealed that people are aware of tsetse flies and the problems the pose. The data from the present study suggests the need for tsetse control campaigns in the study area. Such campaigns should involve the government, the communities, and other stake holders including the management of Ikorongo and Grumeti reserves.