Prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis in Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence rate of bovine trypanosomosis in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State was studied over a period of twenty-four months (Jan. 1999-Dec. 2000). A total of 1,300 whole blood samples collected via jugular venipuncture and examined for trypanosomosis using standard trypanosome detection method. The overall prevalence rate revealed that 13.08 % of the 1,300 screened were positive. Animals over than 5 years' old had an infection rates of 58.8 % and the least age-group were the younger age less than 2 years old (11.8 %). There was no statistical significant difference between the age group
(p>0.05). Breed specific rates showed that white Fulani (14.6 %) had higher infection than the red Bororos (7.6 %, p<0.05). There was statistical significant difference between the breed specific rates. Sex-specific rates also indicates there was no statistical significant difference between the infection rates of the males and females (p>0.05). Distribution of trypanosomes infection rate between rainy and dry seasons and also that of the locations showed no statistically significant difference between the seasons and the areas of study (p>0.05). The PCV of the infected and non infected animals showed statistically
significant difference (p<0.05) and T.vivax was found to be higher than any of the species studied in this area (p<0.05). This study showed that Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State is located in a so called tsetse and trypanosomes-free area of Nigeria, but presently, is highly infected by trypanosomes. Jos, being adjacent to the tsetse-infected areas of Kaduna, Bauchi and Nassarawa States can also be easily invaded by nomadic activities. With this development, there is an evidence of redistribution of tsetse flies and trypanosomosis in Nigeria. There is an urgent need for active surveillance of the disease in
order to apply more effective control measures and maximized the use of Nigerian landmass pasture.

Keywords: prevalence, bovine, trypanosomosis, Bassa.

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 29 (2) 2008: pp. 136-139