Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis, to identify predominant trypanosome species and some associated risk factors,in purposively selected areas of Mareka district of Dawuro zone, southern Ethiopia from November 2015 to April 2016. For this purpose, a total of 384 blood samples were collected from cattle using systematic random sampling methodconsidering different age, body condition and coat color; as well as both sex groups of cattle. The packed cell volume (PCV) of each sampled animal was measured using hematocrit reader after centrifugation at 12,000 rpm for five minutes. Buffy coat technique was used to determine prevalence of trypanosomal parasites and species was further confirmed by Giemsa stained thin smear. The overall prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was found to be 8.3% (32/384). The predominant trypanosome species wereTrypanosoma congolense (62.5%) followed by T. vivax (37.5%) with significant statistical variation (P<0.05). The mean PCV was recorded as 21.03±3.297 in parasitaemic and 27.98±3.519 in aparasitaemic animals with results revealing significant statistical difference (P<0.05) between thetwo groups. From assessed risk factors; the age, body condition and coat color of animals showed statistically significant variation (P<0.05), butanimal location and sex were insignificant (P>0.05). In conclusion bovine trypanosomosis is one of the major livestock diseases posing continuous threats to the production and productivity of livestock sub-sector in the study area, thus it requires due attention to strengthen an integrated trypanosomosis and vector control.

Key words: Bovine, Ethiopia, Mareka, prevalence, risk factors, trypanosomosis.