Prevalence of trypanosomiasis in relation to some haematological parameters in cattle, Ohafia LGA, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Trypanosomiasis is a debilitating disease of man and animals in Africa, Asia and South America, caused by a group of extracellular protozoan haemoflagellates of the genus Trypanosoma and transmitted by the tse-tse flies (Glossina spp) to man, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep among others. A study on trypanosomiasis in cattle was carried out at Ndi Okala shed Ohafia, in Ohafia LGA, Abia State. A total of one hundred and fifteen (115) cattle made up of 90 males and 25 females had their blood examined for the presence of trypanosomes using wet films, giemsa stained thin and thick films method. Out of this number, thirty (30) were infected giving a prevalence rate of 26.09%. The mean white blood cell count (WBC) was higher in the infected group and gave an indication of the presence of infection while the mean packed cell volume (PVC) was lower in the infected group, an indication of anaemia. Two species of trypanosome namely T. vivax (6.09%) and T. brucei (20.0%) were encountered. Periodic surveillance, treatment and control measures are advocated to avert the high medical and socioeconomic complications that may arise from the disease.

Keywords: Trypanosomiasis; cattle; Ohafia; Abia State; Nigeria