A systematic approach to area-wide tsetse distribution and abundance maps

A raster or grid-based Geographic Information System with data on tsetse, t rypanosomosis, animal production, agriculture and land use has recently bee n developed in Togo. This paper describes the generation of area-wide digit al tsetse distribution and abundance maps and how these accord with the loc al climatic and agro-ecological setting. Results include: (i) a spatial dem arcation of ecologically distinct areas, producing a seasonal cluster map b ased on seasonal weather data and temporal series of satellite derived Nati onal Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) AVHRR and METEOSAT varia bles: (ii) tsetse distribution maps of Glossina tachinoides Westwood, G. pa lpalis palpalis (Robineau-Desvoidy), G. morsitans submorsitans Newstead, G. longipalpis Wiedemann, G. medicorum Austen and G. fusca fusca (Walker); an d (iii) tsetse abundance or 'risk' maps, corrected for within database seas onal fluctuations, for G. tachinoides and G. p. palpalis. It is concluded t hat grid-based sampling is the ideal method for rapid assessment of the cur rent vector and disease situation within any country or region, and that re mote sensing has an important role to play in planning such a sampling syst em.