Prevalence of bovine trypanasomosis in Katsina Central Abattoir, Katsina State

Abstract

Trypanosomosis remains one of the major constraints to health and agricultural development in Nigeria and sub- Saharan Africa. Bovine (cattles) plays a major role in the investment of most famers in Nigeria, mainly for provision of animal protein and income. The output of this animal is disturbed by tsetse fly (Glossina spp) infestation which is the primary vector of trypanosome. This study was aimed to determining the species of trypanosome prevalent in Katsina Central Abattoir and their infection rates among breeds of Cattle. Two hundred and seven (200) cattle were sampled, wet, thin; thick films, giemsa staining technique, Micro Haematocrit Centrifugation Technique (MHCT) and Buffy Coat Technique (BCT) methods were used to detect trypanosomes present in the blood of the animals. Among the sample analyzed 3(1.5%) were positive for Trypanosome infection. The infection rates among the cattle breeds were; White Fulani 2(1%), Sokoto Gudali 1(0.5%), Red Bororo 0(0%) and Ketouko 0(0%). The species of Trypanosome found to be present were Trypanosoma vivax (1%) Trypanosoma congolense 1(0.5%) while Trypanosoma brucei (0%). Therefore trypanosome is prevalent in Katsina Central Abattoir even though the prevalence is low.

Keywords: Buffy Coat Technique (BCT); MHCT; trypanosome; bovine; prevalence.