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Original Research
2.
A parasitological survey for bovine trypanosomosis
in the livestock/wildlife ecozone of northern
Tanzania -
Emanuel S. Swai, Jackson E. Kaaya
Vet World. 2012; 5(8): 459-464
doi:
10.5455/vetworld.2012.
459-464
Abstract
Aim:
Tsetse-transmitted animal and human trypanosomosis
is considered to be one of the major constraints to
improved livestock and agricultural production in
sub-Saharan Africa. A cross sectional survey to
determine the prevalence of trypanosomosis and
identifying trypanosome species infecting cattle was
conducted in Makuyuni division, Arusha region of
northern Tanzania, an area where livestock and
wildlife graze together.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 239 indigenous Tanzania short horn
zebu cattle at four different villages, and of
different ages and sex, were randomly selected and
sampled. Field examination of Giemsa stained thick
and thin blood smears was undertaken.
Results:
The overall prevalence of slides positive for
bovine trypanosomosis was 5% (95% [confidence
interval], CI = 2.6-8.6). The prevalence was
significantly higher in Mswaki juu village (7%) and
lower in Ortukai (3%). Of the positive cattle, 8/12
(66.6%) had infections with T. vivax and 4/12
(33.3%) T. congolense. No cases of T. brucei were
detected. Animals with poor (13.7%) body score were
significantly associated with high prevalence of
trypanosomes infection than animals with good (2.7%)
score. Prevalence of trypanosomes infections was
significantly higher in males (8.42%) than in
females (2.47%) and increased markedly in cattle
aged >4.5 years, with no significant difference
among the age group.
Conclusion: Because of
the risk of trypanosomosis in the Mswaki juu, a
locality which is close to a wildlife Reserve;
integrated tsetse and trypanosomosis control
strategies need to be improved and enforced.
Keywords: cattle; prevalence; livestock/wildlife
ecosystem; trypanosomes; Tanzania
