Abstract:
: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2010 up to March 2011 in Humbo district of
Wolayta zone Southern Ethiopia to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis, to identify the
prevailing species of trypanosomes and to assess the host related risk factors of the disease. Blood samples
were collected from 246 randomly selected cattle of the study villages and evaluated through standard
parasitological methods. The overall prevalence was 14.2%. Trypanosoma congolense was the predominant
species in the area (65.7%). Statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the prevalence among
the species of trypanosomes. However, the variation between sexes and the different age groups were not
statistically significant (P> 0.05). The mean packed cell volume (PCV) value of the infected animals was
significantly (P<0.05) lower (20.2%±3.0) as compared to non-infected animals (26.5%±5.1). Moreover, animals
of various body conditions showed statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in the prevalence of
trypanosomosis. In conclusion, bovine trypanosomosis is economically important disease that affects the
health as well as productivity of cattle in Humbo district. Hence, appropriate disease prevention and control
methods should be undertaken to improve livestock production and agricultural development in the area.
