Tsetse movement in wind fields: possible epidemiological and entomological implications for trypanosomiasis and its control

This paper presents evidence that tsetse flies (Glossina) can be dispersed by wind. This dispersal in West Africa is suggested to be along a south-west north-east axis. The implications of wind dispersal of Glossina for chemical and genetic control operations is discussed. Field experiments necessary to test this hypothesis are recommended. A study of human trypanosomiasis foci in West Africa has revealed that foci are orientated in roughly parallel lines in a south-west north-east direction. This directionally was significant when compared with 7 other compass points. It is proposed that foci could be populated by infected flies dispersed from the south west, where denser populations exist, on the prevailing winds in the late dry/early rainy season. The significance of these ideas in relation to the epidemiology of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense in Ethiopia and T. evansi are discussed.