Bovine Trypanosomosis in Selected Villages of Humbo District, Southern Ethiopia

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.