Tsetse and trypanosomiasis

Can tsetse transmit any other diseases?

Tsetse are not implicated in the biological transmission of any other major pathogens of humans or livestock.

Many biting flies can however pick up pathogens directly from one host and transfer them mechanically to another. Indeed, in the tsetse-infested regions of Africa, stable flies (Stomoxys) transmits Anaplasma this way. This protozoan causes gall sickness (anaplasmosis) in cattle and, in principle, tsetse could also transmit this disease mechanically. In practice however, the greater efficiency and abundance of other vectors (ticks, stable flies) and transmission mechanisms (multiple use needles) means that tsetse do not play any significant role in the mechanical transmission of this or any other veterinary or human disease.

(photograph by ICIPE)