Controlling tsetse with insecticide-treated cattle

Which insecticide should I use?

Treat cattle with an insecticide specifically designed for the purpose of controlling tsetse. Formulations designed for controlling ticks are not necessarily effective against tsetse, although in most cases formulations effective against tsetse will also kill ticks.

The formulations effective against tsetse will generally be either a suspension concentrate or a pour-on formulation of a persistent pyrethroid such as deltamethrin, alphacypermethrin or beta-cyfluthrin (Thomson, 1987; Bauer et al., 1995; Vale et al., 1999; Torr et al., 2007). It is best to use formulations that have been independently tested against tsetse, and proven to be effective in tsetse control operations.

There are an increasing number of locally produced formulations, and these may be cheaper and as effective as the formulations produced by multinational suppliers. However, slight changes in formulation, such as using cheaper oils to formulate pour-ons, can have profound effects on efficacy. Consequently, it is best to be either certain that these less common formulations have been properly tested, and/or test it yourself.

If in doubt, use a brand of insecticide that has been independently proven to be effective against tsetse.

References
Bauer, B., Amsler de la Fosse, S., Clausen, P.H., Kabore, I. & Petrich-Bauer, J. (1995). Successful application of deltamethrin pour-on to cattle in a campaign against tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) in the pastoral zone of Samorogouan, Burkina Faso. Tropical Medicine and Parasitology 46, 183- 189

Thomson, M. (1987). The effect on tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) of deltamethrin applied to cattle either as a spray or incorporated into ear-tags. Tropical Pest Management 33, 329-335.

Vale, G.A., Mutika, G. & Lovemore, D.F. (1999). Insecticide-treated cattle for controlling tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae): some questions answered, many posed. Bulletin of Entomological Research 89, 569-578.

Torr, S.J., Maudlin, I. & Vale, G.A. (2007). Less is more: restricted application of insecticide to improve the cost and efficacy of tsetse control. Medical and Veterinary Entomology 21, 53-64.