Isaac, C., Igbinosa, I.B. and Nmorsi, O.P.G.
An entomological survey of tsetse fly density and infection rate were carried out in some communities in Abraka (Urhouka, Umeghe, Urhovie, Oria and Ugono), Nigeria. A total of 83 flies were caught. Dry season catches were significantly higher than the wet season fly population (p<0.05). The mean infection rate was 0.072 (6 out of 83 flies). Among the Abraka communities sampled for tsetse flies, Urhouka had the highest fly population (0.63). The mean differences in fly density of these communities were significant (p<0.0001). The highest number of fly was collected along water ways (p<0.0001). The number of flies caught along river banks during the dry seasons was significantly higher than the number collected in the wet seasons (p<0.0001). Negative associations were observed for rain fall and relative humidity with monthly fly density at -0.853 and -0.803, respectively; while, a positive correlation was seen for air temperature and monthly fly density (r = 0.013). These associations were statistically significant (p<0.05). In conclusion, the behaviour of Glossina palpalis in Abraka is not different from the typical ecological behaviour of ‘riverine’ tsetse species which suggests that during the dry season period, vector control efforts for the purpose of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) disease control should be intensified especially along river lines in Abraka, Nigeria.
