Seasonal Variation in the Abundance of Tsetse Flies (Glossina spp.) in Livestock Grazing Areas of Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria

Tsetse flies of the genus Glossina are vectors of trypanosomiasis, a disease that constrains livestock production across the tsetse belt of sub-Saharan Africa. Nasarawa State, located in the North Central zone, lies within this belt, and livestock herders in the state face significant losses from animal trypanosomiasis annually. This study investigates the seasonal variation in tsetse fly abundance in livestock grazing corridors across Nasarawa State. Biconical traps will be deployed at 18 sites across three grazing zones over 12 months, with fortnightly trap collections recorded. Trapped flies will be identified to species using morphological keys, and apparent density per trap per day will be calculated. Vegetation structure, proximity to water sources, and cattle density will be recorded as ecological variables. Seasonal abundance patterns will be correlated with rainfall and temperature data. This research builds on limited entomological data for tsetse in Nasarawa State and aims to identify peak transmission risk periods for farmer advisories. Results will be shared with the Nasarawa State Veterinary Services Department to support tsetse control planning and the National Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Control Programme. Keywords: tsetse flies, Glossina, trypanosomiasis, seasonal abundance, Nasarawa State