OIE Non Tsetse Transmitted Animal Trypanosomoses Network

A worldwide network of OIE Non Tsetse Transmitted Animal Trypanosomoses laboratories has been instituted under the auspices of the OIE in support of a global strategy for the control of NTTAT. This network connects the main research institutes and laboratories throughout the world having a reliable experience in the study of Non Tsetse Transmitted Animal Trypanosomoses, including the four OIE Reference Laboratories for Trypanosomoses. 

Specific objectives the OIE NTTAT Network

• To create awareness on NTTAT as high impact neglected veterinary diseases
• To develop tools that enhance countries’ capacity for surveillance of the NTTAT in view of improved disease reporting
• To foster collaborative research on identified topics
• To respond to needs for scientific evidence as expressed by endemic countries and/or organisations engaged in NTTAT control
• To fill gaps in knowledge on disease epidemiology, pathogenesis, drug efficacy, vaccines, modes of transmission, reservoir hosts and vector control

Coordination

The secretariat of the OIE NTTAT Network is managed by Philippe Büscher (The Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp) its role includes the organization of periodical meetings (at least one annual meeting should be held) and the general coordination of network. 

GENERALITIES

Non Tsetse Transmitted Animal Trypanosomoses (NTTAT) are diseases caused by protozoon parasites of the genus Trypanosoma.  By the fact that their transmission is independent of the tsetse fly, they also occur in tsetse free regions in Africa and further in Latin America, Europe and Asia.

Trypanosoma (T.) evansi, T. equiperdum and T. vivax cause respectively surra, dourine and nagana in a wide range of domestic animals like cattle, buffalo, horse, camel, small ruminants etc. These are all extracellular parasites, in contrast to T. cruzi, which is an intracellular parasite in its mammal host. T. cruzi also can infect domestic animals but with no or negligible economic impact and therefore is not considered by the OIE NTTAT Network.

Surra, dourine and trypanosomosis (nagana) are OIE notifiable diseases but outbreaks are seldom declared officially.

Compared to tsetse transmitted pathogenic trypanosomes like T. brucei and T. congolense, the NTTAT species attract much less attention from academic researchers and commercial companies that develop drugs and diagnostics. Although NTTAT are rapidly spreading throughout Latin America and Asia and form a constant threat for introduction in non-endemic countries, NTTAT are seriously neglected tropical veterinary diseases causing important economic losses in endemic regions.

The NTTAT network provides a platform for researchers, reference laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, international organisations and other stakeholders to share knowledge and to advise governments and international organisations in their fight to reduce or eliminate Non Tsetse Transmitted Trypanosomoses.

 

Contact

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