Abstract:
Climate change has posed serious health threats on both man and animals. This ranges from effects of
progressive temperature rises from global warming to extreme weather events and anthropogenic activities and
this has affected insect-vector distributions worldwide. Tsetse fly species transmit Trypanosomes but relative
significance depends largely on the strength of their interactions with susceptible hosts. Tsetse flies are the main
vectors of Trypanosomiasis and their existence pose a threat to the survival of cattle, small ruminates and equines
in The Gambia. It is known to be one of the most vital parasitic diseases affecting livestock productivity in The
Gambia and equines are very susceptible. Central River Region is mainly infested with the tsetse fly Glossina
morsitan submorsitan a major vector of Trypanosomiasis among animals in the country and it is mainly found
in dry, canopied, savannah woodland. Glossina palpalis is also present, but are more limited to riverine
vegetation in the area. This work seeks to show the havoc caused by trypanosomiasis and the urgency for more
studies to investigate the patterns of transmission of this disease especially in the context of climate change in
other for a better control program for this zoonosis in The Gambia.
