The Institut Senegalais de Recherches Agricoles completed field evaluations of chemical compounds to attract gravid tsetse flies, as part of the COMBAT project.

The Institut Senegalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA) has assessed the attractiveness of chemical compounds for gravid female tsetse flies in the field. This activity was carried out between October 28th 2023, and February 22nd 2024, and is part of the 1st pillar of the COMBAT project.

Researchers in Senegal are testing a new approach to combat AT. In collaboration with veterinary and national park services, they conducted a field study in the Saloum Delta Park to assess the effectiveness of specific scents in attracting these flies.

Imagine a fly trap that uses irresistible smells to lure its prey! That's the concept behind this innovative research. The scientists employed biconical traps, each infused with a different test scent (4 were evaluated) or a control substance (paraffin oil). To minimize local variations, the trap locations were rotated daily according to a special plan called a Latin square.

Over four field trips, researchers collected data from a total of 80 sessions (20 per scent). They meticulously counted, identified, and even determined the gender of captured flies. Additionally, they assessed the reproductive stage of female flies, focusing on those ready to lay a larva ("gravid").

Promising preliminary results highlight a scent that is attractive to gravid females. This study is part of the COMBAT project, and its findings will contribute to developing improved fly traps with enhanced attractants (deliverable D1.1). These advancements could be a game-changer in the fight against sleeping sickness.

Published: 17/04/2024