On – Farm Transplacental Transmission Of Trypanosoma vivax In A Bunaji Calf In Zaria, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

An on –farm study of haemoparasites of third pregnant and puerperal cows was undertaken in settled herds in Zaria (latitude 11o 08\'N), Northern Nigeria. Trypanosoma vivax infection was found in prepartum cows in two (22.2%) of the herds. An affected dam in one of the herds was delivered of a calf that was infected with T. vivax within the first three days of life, indicating transplacental transmission of the infection. However, the calf did not show any clinical signs of the disease. This is probably the first on – farm transplacental transmission of this economically significant protozoan haemoparasite in the area. The finding further underscores the need for ore efforts directed at the control of the disease in Nigeria.

Keywords: Farm, Transplacental, Trypanosoma vivax, Calf

Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol. 27 (3) 2006 pp. 95-98