Community participation in the control of tsetse flies. Large scale trials using the pyramid trap in the Congo.

An experiment of Glossina palpalis control was carried out by rural communities in 55 villages of the Niari river sleeping sickness focus (Bouenza region, Republic of the Congo). It was based on the use of a new trap, not requiring insecticide impregnation, in which the captured Glossina are preserved. The results show that this simple, cheap trap is an effective method of control, resulting in a considerable decrease in the tsetse population and is easily operated by the villagers. Screening surveys, using the indirect immunofluorescent test, conducted regularly in this focus, showed a decrease in the prevalence rate after the elimination of the flies. Long-term community participation is limited and must be improved by a better understanding of socio-cultural aspects and in certain cases must be associated with the work of a specialized team.