Developing a Progressive Control Pathway for African Animal Trypanosomosis

Abstract

Progressive control pathways (PCPs) are stepwise approaches for the reduction, elimination, and eradication of human and animal diseases. They provide systematic frameworks for planning and evaluating interventions. Here we outline a PCP for tsetse-transmitted animal trypanosomosis, the scourge of poor livestock keepers in tropical Africa. Initial PCP stages focus on the establishment of national coordination structures, engagement of stakeholders, development of technical capacities, data collection and management, and pilot field interventions. The intermediate stage aims at a sustainable and economically profitable reduction of disease burden, while higher stages target elimination. The mixed-record of success and failure in past efforts against African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) makes the development of this PCP a high priority.

Keywords: animal health policies; disease elimination; nagana; progressive control pathways; stepwise approach.