It can be concluded that an integrated T&T management approach relies on the quality of an extensive list of field data (vector, pathogen, host, livestock system, agro-ecological setting) and the detailed knowledge of geo-epidemiological patterns. We must remain cautious when making choices and avoid being lured into choosing overly simple solutions for solving complex problems.
Although in West Africa elimination of the fly and the disease may be achievable in the drier parts at the northern limits of the tsetse belt, several crucial assumptions remain to be validated through field research. These include investigations on fly fragmentation, population isolation and fly dispersion (e.g. Mouhoun model).
In the more humid parts, the most viable option remains an integrated approach combining: (i) vector suppression in epidemiological hot spots (e.g. Sideradougou model) and (ii) disease management at the herd level through the strategic use of trypanocides and/or genetic improvement of local trypanotolerant breeds (e.g. Togo model).
