Bovine trypanosomosis in sedentary cattle at previously assumed trypanosoma-free Jos plateau, Nigeria

Abstract

The occurrence of trypanosomosis was investigated in sedentary Bunaji (Bos indicus) cattle grazing at 5 different villages of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Two hundred cattle was examined, 76 (38.0%) of which had trypanosome infection. Three species, Trypanosoma vivax (78.9%), T. Congolense (15.8%), and T. brucei (5.3%) were encountered. More males (42.9%) than females (31.8%) were affected while animals of 3-5 years age cohort had the highest infection rate of 46.7%. The existence of trypanosome infections in sedentary cattle populations of the Jos Plateau seem to suggest that the area which was previously assumed to be Trypanosoma-free may have acquired infection status.

Key Words: Trypanosomosis, Bovine, Sedentary, Plateau State, Nigeria.


(Nigerian Veterinary Journal: 2003 24(1): 33-36)