The historical distribution of tsetse and animal trypanosomosis (AT) in southern Africa included the entire Kruger National Park, continuous with areas in eastern Mozambique and southern Zimbabwe. Following the Rinderpest epidemic of 1895-1898, tsetse distribution shrank dramatically and since 1900, no serious reports of AT have been reported in Kruger Park. However, with the establishment of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, there exists a possibility that AT may again become established in the Kruger Park. The shared border between Kruger Park and Mozambique is defined by the Lebombo mountain range, which is intersected by several rivers.  Where these rivers have shady vegetation on its banks, it creates avenues of access for tsetse flies from Mozambique into the Kruger Park, potentially following herds of migrating herbivores. There is currently no data on tsetse or AT presence/absence in the Kruger Park.

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is leading a project to support the State Veterinarian’s disease surveillance activities inside Kruger Park. Utilising this opportunity, Combat project partners ARC and UEM (University Eduardo Mondlane), joined forces in surveillance for tsetse and other biting flies, as well as for Trypanosome presence in wildlife. During August 2023, Johan Esterhuizen and Moeti Taioe from ARC-OVR, and Luis Neves from UEM, were hosted by the Kruger Park State Veterinarians and staff, responsible for disease surveillance inside Kruger Park. Field assessment for suitable tsetse habitat was done over two days along 110 km of the south-eastern border of Kruger park with Mozambique. The field logistics are challenging and only a few suitable trap sites were identified. 

A large field survey is planned for March-April 2024. In addition to entomological surveys, we will also have access to the National Parks’ Biobank for blood samples of selected tsetse host animals from specific geographic areas. These blood samples will be analysed for presence/absence of trypanosomes.  This work will contribute to the Combat WP 3 activities and goals through knowledge on entomology and AT in the eastern Kruger National Park and adjacent areas of Mozambique.