Incidence Of Trypanosomosis In A Muturu Herd At Nsukka, South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

A herd of 28 Muturu cattle under semi-intensive system of management at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Agricultural Farm, southeastern, Nigeria, was examined for the presence of trypanosome infection over a one year period (April, 1998 - March, 1999). The aim was to assess the incidence of trypanosomosis and factors that may affect its occurrence variation. Infection was widespread in the herd (67. 9%) during the period. Out of the factors (season, sex and age) only season showed a significant effect on the occurrence of trypanosomosis. The incidence was highest in the third quarter of the year corresponding to the late rainy season period, followed by the fourth quarter (early dry season) and was least in the first quarter (late dry season). This seasonal incidence varied between 2.6% (CL 0.3 - 9.1 %) to 20.3% (CL 12.0 -30.8%) All the infections were due to Trypanosma vivax and the principal tsetse vector was Glossina tachinoides. Parasitaemic animals were able to control anaemia as their PCV's were similar to those of uninfected animals (P>0.05). The importance of these findings in relation to the general epizootiology of trypanosomosis and animal production in the area is discussed.

Keywords: Trypanosomosis, muturu cattle, semi-intensive, Nigeria