Tsetse fly trap effectiveness and tsetse fly apparent population density in selected sub counties of Buvuma District

Abstract

Historically, Buvuma district among other districts in Uganda has grappled with high tsetse fly densities, and the challenges with which they come, that is Human African Trypanosomiasis and African Animal Trypanosomiasis. Numerous control measures have been employed, but the most outstanding has been the use of tsetse fly traps, because of their ease of use and cheap cost. This study is therefore aimed at finding out the effectiveness between the pyramidal trap (most used trap in the district) and the odor-baited biconical trap. A cross sectional study was done in selected sub counties of Buvuma district, where the traps were deployed in selected areas for example those frequented by animals, for 3 days and the data collected filled into an entomological survey sheet at the end of the deployment duration. The most effective trap based on tsetse fly catches was found to be the odor-baited biconical trap (92%), and the least was the pyramidal trap (8%). 609 tsetse flies were caught where, 51.7% were female and 48.3% were male. The overall average apparent density based on the catches by the two traps was 10.14 tsetse per trap per day. The other biting flies trapped 0.8% were significantly fewer than the tsetse flies caught 99.2%. It was concluded that the most effective trap was the odor-baited biconical trap, and that the average apparent density recorded was high compared to other authors who did similar studies in other areas with similar vegetation type. Therefore, the basic recommendation on tsetse control for Buvuma district, is that the odor-baited biconical trap is employed and more measures like insect treated cattle be employed to reduce the tsetse fly population in the district