Screening for Pathogenic Trypanosomes in Cattle and Camels Slaughtered at Zango and Kawo Abattoirs, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

African trypanosomosis remains one of the major diseases affecting food security and human healthy living in sub-Saharan Africa. This study screened  domesticated animals for the presence of pathogenic trypanosomes in 1,050 slaughtered animals comprising 858 and 100 cattle respectively from Zango  and Kawo abattoirs and 92 camels from Zango as Kawo abattoir neither slaughters nor sell camel meat. Both abattoirs are government-owned  and located in Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The animals examined were sourced from Bauchi, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, and Chad  Republic. Blood samples were collected from each animal at the point of slaughter and examined using the buffy coat technique and Leishman-stained  thick film for trypanosome identification. Packed cell volume (PCV) determination was conducted to assess the level of anaemia. Results indicated that 25  cattle and 2 camels (27) had an overall trypanosome infection rate of 2.57%. The trypanosomes observed were mainly Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma  congolense, and Trypanosoma vivax. This study showed that sources of livestock slaughtered at various abattoirs can be a useful indicator  in quantifying trypanosomosis risk. Continuous sensitization and awareness creation among the herders at the grass-root level is recommended for  effective disease management towards increased livestock production and productivity required to sustain the rural economy and improve the  livelihoods of the local populace.