TITLE:
The Contribution of Tanzanian National Parks in Controlling the Vectors of Sleeping Sickness
AUTHORS:
Epaphras A. Muse, Inyasi Lejora, James Wakibara, Morris Kilewo, Idrissa S. Chuma, Emilian Kihwele, Damari Samwel, Abel Mtui, Calvin Sindato, Imna Malele
KEYWORDS:
Tsetse Fly, Insecticides, Targets, Sleeping Sickness, Tanzania
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.5 No.7,
July
15,
2015
ABSTRACT: This paper summarises efforts to control Sleeping sickness [Human African
Trypanosomiasis (HAT)] by Tsetse flies and Trypanosomiaisis (T & T) control
for the 7 consecutive years although started a decade ago in Tanzania National
Parks (TANAPA). These efforts are critical for curbing HAT incidences and HAT
epidemics. HAT cases have had profound negative impacts on human health,
affecting local residents and international travel as well as tourism industry
resulting into human and animal health burden and reduction in tourism income.
Understanding the current efforts is essential in the proper planning and
decision making on developing effective control strategy against T & T
control. In this paper, we summarize the recent efforts in the control of T
& T in National Parks and discuss the constraints faced. The information
will enable TANAPA and other concerned authorities to make informed decision
on optimal ways of controlling HAT in National Parks. The results show that
much control efforts have so far concentrated in Serengeti, Ruaha, Tarangire
and Katavi National Parks where tsetse fly challenges are high. A total 21,143 (average
3020) Insecticide Treated Targets (ITT) were deployed in different areas in the
parks and 82,899 (average 20,725) cars entering these parks were sprayed from
2007/2008 to 2014/2015 and 2007/2008 to 2010/2011 respectively. Deployed ITTs
lead to a drastic reduction of FTDs of the two dominant tsetse species to 1.3
and 1.4 of G. swynnertoni and G. pallidipes respectively, and the decline was significant at P = 0.011. The major
challenges faced include tsetse re-invasion in controlled areas; resurgence of
HAT cases when control efforts are relaxed, ITT maintenance and inadequate
health education programs. The control strategy should be continuous and scaled
up as failure to implement an effective and sustainable system for HAT control
will increase the risk of new epidemic that would impede tourism development.