Relation between tsetse average and bovine trypanosomiasis : case report on N’Dama cattle in the ranch of Louboulou, Congo

Abstract

The authors report the results of an entomo-parasitological survey in the State Ranch of Louboulou, Bouenza region, Congo. Over a period of more than five months, the average tsetse density was 0.2 Glassina palpalis palpalis captured per day and trap. Although some specimens of Glossina fusca congolensis were also captured, the density of the latter species was quite insignificant. No trypanosomiasis was detected among the N’Dama cattle of the ranch, as a result of 114 blood samples collected for parasitological (fresh blood sample, Woo method, thick blood film) and serological examinations (Testryp CATT on whole blood and serum). The absence of detectable trypanosomiasis is discussed and interpreted as a result of a low tsetse threat below a critical threshold which remains to be determined.