Abstract:
Bovine trypanosomosis is one of the most prevalent and
important disease in Ethiopia limiting livestock productivity and
agricultural development. A cross-sectional survey of bovine
trypanosomosis was conducted from December 2013 to May 2013 in
Wonchi district of South West Shoa zone to estimate the prevalence
of bovine trypanosomosis and assess the risk factors associated with
its occurrence. Blood samples were collected from 384 randomly
sampled cattle of four conveniently selected kebeles of the district.
Thin blood smear was made from the collected blood samples using
Giemsa stain. Of the animals examined, the overall prevalence of
bovine trypanosomiosis was found to be 2.1%. The highest
prevalence was observed in Haro Kono (4.3%) followed by Meti
Walga (1.7%). There was statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in
the prevalence of the disease among the different kebeles. Older
animals were found to be significantly affected than the younger
ones. However, no statistically significant variation observed in the
prevalence of the disease between the two sexes. Although the
present study showed a low level of prevalence in the study area
using a test with poor sensitivity; nevertheless, vagarious disease,
mitigation strategies is warranted owing to the economic implication
of the disease.
