Abstract:
A tsetse and bovine trypanosomosis survey was conducted during 1998 and 1999 in the Matutuine
District of Maputo Province (Mozambique). A total of 59 Glossina brevipalpis and 17 Glossina austeni
were captured throughout the district. Survey results suggest that Glossina brevipalpis is mainly concentrated
in dense vegetation along the Maputo River and in the wetlands east of the river. G. austeni,
on the other hand, was captured mainly in dense thickets in drier areas. Both tsetse species are suspected
to be vectors of bovine trypanosomosis. Bovine trypanosomosis (75,5 % Trypanosoma congolense)
was diagnosed in 53 animals (13,9 %) from seven sampling sites distributed throughout the
district. The prevalence of cattle with anti-trypanosomal antibodies was high (29,9 %). The incidence
of trypanosomal infections in sentinel cattle was also high . The widespread distribution of bovine trypanosomosis
and the high prevalence of infection are likely to have a significant impact on cattle
production and, hence, the cattle restocking exercise in the district.
