The prevalence of trypanosomosis, helminthosis and tick-borne infections in agro-pastoral production system in Kenya

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess prevalence of trypanosomosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ECF and helminth infections and factors associated with them in Kajiado District, Kenya. Purposive and random selection procedures were used to identify participating pastoralists and animals from Olkilamatian and Shompole group ranches (GR). Data were gathered using questionnaires and animal screening for prevalence of infections, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Pastoralists had low level of formal education of 5.8 years and total livestock holding of 232 valued at US$11619. There was substantial breed improvement in the area. Prevalence of infections were, ECF 26.5%, anaplasmosis 61%, babesiosis 24%, trypanosomosis 4.9% and helminthosis 6.3% suggesting that these animal herds were important sources of infection to naïve and immuno-compromised animals. There is need of understanding the extensive production system and instituting appropriate management and disease control measures likely to reduce sources of infections.

Key words: Agropastoralists, Anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ECF, helminthosis, trypanosomosis