African trypanosomiasis, caused by extracellular protozoan parasites, is a major disease in cattle that affects agricultural production in broad regions of Africa. The parasites are transmitted between mammals by infected tsetse flies during blood feeding. Both wild and domestic animals are potential reservoirs of the parasites for human infection resulting in human sleeping sickness.
This poster, prepared for the Tropentag 2014 conference, shares information about a new strategy, by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), for creating resistance in cattle to African trypanosomiasis. The long-term aim is to generate genetically modified cattle, which carry a gene that imparts resistance to African trypanosomes.
This week, ILRI staff are participating in the Tropentag 2014 International Conference in Prague (17-19 September 2014). There is also a dedicated ‘ILRI@40’ side event on ‘Livestock-based options for sustainable food and nutritional security and healthy lives.’ See all the posters.
ILRI BioSciences 