Spatial and temporal distribution of cattle trypanosomosis in Zimbabwe between the period 1995 and 2011

Abstract

African Animal Trypanosomosis is one of the most significant diseases to threaten livestock production in Zimbabwe. The objective of this study was to determine spatial and temporal distribution of trypanosomosis from 1995 to 2011. A retrospective assessment was done and the results indicated a general increase in the number of trypanosomosis outbreaks and cases over the study period. The sub-period 2003-2011 recorded a significantly (P < 0.01) higher mean annual number of outbreaks (39.4; CI, 28.9-49.9) than the sub-period 1995-2002 (6.8; CI, 5.5-8.1). The number of cases showed an increase with the last sub-period (2003-2011) recording a significantly (P < 0.01) higher mean annual number of cases (245.5; CI, 179.4-311.6) than the sub-period 1995-2002 (22.8; CI, 13.6-32.0). Increase in outbreaks and cases could be attributed to the inadequate resources for vector control from about the year 2002. Professional intervention and revision of current control methods and policies are therefore imperative.

Keywords: African Animal Trypanosomosis, vector-borne disease, spatial - temporal distribution, Zimbabwe