Population Structure of Glossina Species in Relation to Trypanosomiasis Transmission Dynamics in Taraba State, North East Nigeria

This study analyses the population structure of Glossina (tsetse fly) species and its relationship to trypanosomiasis transmission dynamics in Taraba State, located in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone. Taraba State harbours significant tsetse populations in its forest-savanna mosaic environments, contributing to trypanosomiasis endemicity that constrains livestock production, yet systematic entomological and epidemiological data linking Glossina population dynamics to trypanosomiasis risk are absent from the state. Using an integrated entomological and epidemiological design, biconical traps were deployed at 20 sites across four agroecological gradients in Taraba State over three seasonal periods. Caught tsetse were identified to species, and infection rates with Trypanosoma brucei, T. vivax, and T. congolense were determined by dissection and PCR. Concurrently, blood samples from 200 cattle at trap sites were examined for trypanosome infection by buffy coat technique. Vegetation and land-use data were extracted from satellite imagery to model habitat suitability. The study provides the first contemporary entomological baseline for Taraba State. Findings revealed predominance of Glossina morsitans submorsitans and G. tachinoides, with overall fly infection rates of 9.2 and 7.1 percent respectively. Cattle trypanosomiasis prevalence was 24 percent and showed significant positive correlation with Glossina apparent density and infection rates. Satellite-derived vegetation indices were strong predictors of Glossina habitat suitability. The study provides an evidence base for targeted vector control in Taraba State. Keywords: Glossina, tsetse, trypanosomiasis, Taraba State, vector-host dynamics.