Short CommunicationPrevalence of Bovine Trypanosomosis in Taraba State, North-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Trypanosomosis is a major cause of death and reduced productivity in cattle in Tropical Africa, and a major obstacle to food security in Nigeria. Despite this, there is paucity of information on the status of the disease in Taraba State, Nigeria. This study was therefore designed to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis in the State using parasitological techniques such as thin blood smear, thick blood smear, and the buffy coat technique (BCT). Of the 400 bovine blood samples examined for the presence of trypanosomes, the BCT revealed an overall prevalence of 7.0% (28/400) while thick and thin blood smears showed prevalence rates of 5.5% (22/400) and 4.25% (17/400) respectively. The differences between the prevalence rates detected by the techniques were statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Based on Local Government Areas (LGAs) sampled, prevalence rates were 6.06% (4/66), 11.43% (8/70), and 7.58% (5/66) for Bali, Gashaka, and Ibi respectively. In Jalingo, Karim Lamido and Wukari LGAs, prevalence rates were 6.06% (4/66), 9.09% (6/66) and 1.52% (1/66) respectively. The two species of trypanosomes identified in this study were T. brucei and T. vivax which represented 53.6% (15/28) and 46.4% (13/28) respectively of the overall prevalence in cattle. Based on management practices, nomadic and sedentary herds recorded prevalence rates of 7.2% (23/319) and 6.2% (5/81) respectively. This study revealed highest and lowest prevalence rates in Gashaka and Wukari LGAs respectively with BCT detecting higher number of cases than thin and thick blood smears.

Trop. Vet. Vol. 29 (4) 44-50 (2011)