Abstract:
A survey was conducted in Hawagelan district, West Wellega zone, western Ethiopia from November
2009 to March 2010 to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and the prevailing species of
trypanosomes as well as to assess host related risk factors. Blood samples collected from 384
randomly selected cattle were subjected to parasitological and haematological analysis. The overall
prevalence was found to be 8.6%. Trypanosoma congolense was the predominant species in the area
(72.7%). The prevalence among the species of trypanosomes showed statistically significant difference
(P<0.05). However, it was not statistically significant between sex and the different age groups (P> 0.05).
The mean packed cell volume (PCV) value of the infected animals was lower (20.8%±3.2) compared to
non-infected animals (24.9%±3.8). There was statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in the PCV
values of infected and non-infected animals. Moreover, animals with different body condition exhibited
statistically significant variation (P<0.05) in the prevalence of trypanosomosis. Finally, this work
showed that trypanosomosis is an important disease affecting the health and productivity of cattle in
the district. Hence, due attention should be given to this sector so as to improve livestock production
and agricultural development in the area.
