New approaches to the integrated control of trypanosomosis

Trypanosomosis is one of the most devastating diseases of animals and man in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past century numerous methods of control have been developed yet the disease has proved very difficult to eradicate. Current methods to control the parasite, in the absence of a vaccine, have to rely on the use of trypanocidal drugs and trypanotolerant breeds of livestock. Vector control previously depended on ground and aerial spraying of insecticide but now depends on the use of traps, targets and bait technology. The application of insecticides to cattle is currently of particular interest. Unfortunately all of the current methods of control have disadvantages and none has proved to be sustainable. There is growing interest in integrated control which can be at three levels; integration with rural development, integration with other disease control measures and integration of various tsetse and trypanosomosis control measures. It is anticipated that distinct benefits can be achieved by an integrated approach which will improve the effectiveness of control and enhance the prospects of sustainability.