Preliminary data on glossina-small ruminant contact in the Mayombe forestry massif in Congo

Abstract

In this work, the authors report on the first observations of Glossina-small ruminant contact in the Mayombe forestry mountains (Congo). Glossina palpalis palpalis is the most important group of glossina in this area, while a regression of the Fusca group is noticeable. Study of the nutritional tropism revealed marked preferences for reptiles and suidae. Infestation rates were 43.9 % and 25.0 % among females and males, respectively. The most frequent parasites were T. vivax, T.congelense and T. grayi. Evidence of the absence of salivary gland infection was given by means of a DNA probe. Despite the absence of blood meal taken on small ruminants, the serology of these animals revealed a close contact between sheep and goats and the parasite.