Prevalence of Camel Trypanosomosis at Selected Districts of Bale Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Across-sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to March 2014 at selected districts of Bale zone, Oromia Regional States of Ethiopia to determine the prevalence of camel trypanosmosis and assess associated potential risk factors. Simple random sampling technique was used and the study animals were selected based on the camel population of the district in the study area. The wet, thin smear and the Buffy coat examination was employed under microscope. Out of 392 examined animals, 70 (17.9%) were positive for Trypanosome evansi. There was statistically significant difference between age groups, districts of the animals and trypanosome infection (P<0.05). Higher prevalence of the infection was recorded in Age group of >4 years (27.6%) followed by 3 years (14.5%) and 3-4 years old camels (10.5%) respectively. However, there was no statistically significant difference observed between sex with the occurrence of the disease (P>0.05). The highest prevalence of the disease was observed in Delo-Mena district, 42 (23.9%) whereas the lowest was recorded in Goro district, 9 (9.90%) during the study period. The result of the current study revealed that camel trypanosmosis was highly prevalent in the study area. Thus, there is need of further study on the distribution and seasonality of the disease and its vectors in order to establish effective prevention and control measures in affected herd.

Keywords: Bale Zone Buffy coat Camel trypanosomosis Ethiopia Prevalence Smear