Abstract

The study was carried from October-December 2018 in the wet humid periods using a Cross-sectional study design to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and the major species of trypanosomes and to identify the associated risk factors for the disease in selected localities of Loka abaya district. Blood sample collected from 384 randomly selected cattle to measure Packed Cell Volume (PCV). The buffy coat techniques (BCT) was employed for the detection of trypanosome parasite. NGU-2G traps were deployed for the collection of tsetse flies. From 384 blood samples 8.33% tested positive for trypanosomes. 24(75%) tested for Trypanosoma congolense, followed by Trypanosoma vivax 8(25%). Animals with poor body condition score showed statistically significant difference (P<0.049). The infection rates between anemic and nonanemic animals was significantly different (P<0.003). 1548 tsetse flies and other biting flies were trapped with 963(62.21%) tsetseflies, 271(17.51%) Tabanus, and 48(3.10%) were Stomoxys. The overall apparent density of tsetse and biting flies was 14.3 and 8.84 F/T/D, respectively. In conclusion the results of the present study confirmed that trypanosome parasites and tsetse flies were prevalent and still a challenge to cattle production demanding integrated community based strategies to eradicate or minimize their effects on livestock production.

Key words: Buffy coat techniques (BCT), Bovine, Loka Abaya District, packed cell volume (PCV), prevalence, risk factors, tsetse flies, Ethiopia.