A trial to control the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans centralis, with low densities of odour‐baited targets in west Zambia

A large-scale trial investigated the possibility of eradicating G.m.centralis from a traditional cattle rearing area using odour-baited targets at a reduced overall target density from 4 to 0.5-2.3 per km2, thus cutting down initial material costs by about 50%. Only the periphery of what was thought to be prime tsetse habitat (dense woodland) was treated with targets. These were all black or blue/black cloth (1.8 x 1 m), sprayed with deltamethrin suspension concentrate and baited with butanone and/or acetone (40-130 mg/h) and 1-octen-3-ol (0.5 mg/h). Although fly catches from traps and flyrounds initially dropped by approximately 3% per day and trypanosomiasis cases declined by 99% within a year, eradication was not achieved, so that more targets were deployed at a later stage. Although initially cheaper, the option of using reduced target densities proved financially unattractive because of prolonged periods of target maintenance prior to eradication. Revised strategies for tsetse control with odour-baited, insecticide-impregnated targets in west Zambia are presented.