Journal of
Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health

  • Abbreviation: J. Vet. Med. Anim. Health
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2529
  • DOI: 10.5897/JVMAH
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 418

Article in Press

A cross Sectional Study on the Prevalence of Bovine Trypanosomosis in Selected Areas of Humbo District, Wolaita, Ethiopia

Paulos Ginta and Fentaw Hussen Abegaz

  •  Received: 04 April 2022
  •  Accepted: 09 May 2022
Bovine trypanosomosis is a huge economical concern that has greatly compromising the agricultural sector in Ethiopia.. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2021 in Humbo district of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia aimed to determine the overall and species based prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis. Blood sample were taken from 200 randomly selected local Zebu cattle and examination was made with conventional hematological and parasitological techniques at WolitaSodo Veterinary regional laboratory. Out of total examined animals, 18.5% (37/200) cattle were infected with trypanosomes. Most of the infection were due to Trypanosoma congolence with 10.5% (21/200) followed by T. vivax 4.5% (9/200) and the least prevalent of T.mcongelence and T. vivax occurring concurrently accounting 3.5% (7/200). The prevalence varied among different study areas 25%, 22.5%, 20.5%, 17.5%, 7.5% in areas of Abela, Bukeshoya, Faracho, Ela and Gulcha, respectively. The prevalence was not statistically significant (P>0.05) among the selected study areas, species of Trypanosomes, different age groups and between sexes. However, animals of various body conditions showed statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in the prevalence of trypanosomosis. Besides the parasite confirmation in laboratory, that raw data was collected, analyzed and interpreted from prepared format in order to assess the estimated economic loss of this disease by respective animal owners. A questionnaire forwarded to the animal owners revealed direct and indirect economic loss posed on their total income. Bovine trypanosomosis is economically important disease that affects the health as well as product and productivity of cattle in Humbo district. Hence, appropriate and an integrated disease control and prevention methods should be undertaken to improve and safeguard cattle production and productivity in the study area.

Keywords: Bovine trypanosomosis, Humbo district, Trypanosomes, Tsetse fly, Zebu cattle