Study on the mechanical transmission by tsetse fly Glossina morsitans centralis of Trypanosoma vivax, T. Congolense or T. brucei to goats

Trypanosoma vivax is transmitted to domestic livestock by tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) after cyclical development in the vector (cyclical transmission) as well as directly (mechanical transmission) by other bloodsucking insects such as horse-flies and stable-flies (Hoare, 1947; Wells, 1972). Thus the distribution of T. vivax extends beyond that of tsetse flies in Africa, and it also occurs in Mauritius, West Indies, and Central and South America into which the parasite has been introduced from Africa with infected cattle (Hoare, 1972). By contrast, T. congolense and T. brucei brucei are endemic only in tsetse infested areas of Africa. Studies were therefore carried out to determine whether G. morsitans centralis can transmit mechanically T. vivax, T. congolense or T. b. brucei from infected to uninfected goats through interrupted feeds.