Prevalence of Bovine Trypanosomosis in Gimbi district, West Wollega, Western Oromiya of Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out from March to May 2014 to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis in Gimbi district. The method employed during the study was buffy coat technique for parasitological study. Blood samples were collected from ear vein of 445 heads of cattle to assess trypanosome species. The overall prevalence of the disease was 4.9 % and was vary in different peasant associations (PAs) of the study area with 2.7 %, 11.8 % and 0 % in Tole, Jogir and Inango Denbeli, respectively. Out of 22 infected animals 63.64 % cattle were found to be infected by T. congolense, (31.8 %) T. vivax, and (4.55 %) mixed parasites (T. congolense and T. vivax).The results showed that, T. congolense was the most prevalent in the study areas and followed by mixed parasites. There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in distribution of trypanosoma infection. The prevalence of disease recorded among age groups was 0 %, 4.7 % and 5.5 % in calves (<3years), youngs (3-9 years) and adults (>9 years), respectively. The results also showed the prevalence between sexes was 4.95 % (male) and 4.93 % (female). The infection rates between different ages and sexes of animals showed no significant difference. The mean PCV value of parasitaemic animals was 22.78 %, of aparasitaemic animals was 26.51 % and the overall mean PCV value was 24.65 %. Analysis of the mean PCV values of parasitaemic and aparasitaemic animals showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The results of the study suggested that trypanosomosis in the area was decreasing. However, due to its impact on the livestock, an appropriate tsetse control methods should be expanded to reach tsetse infested area in a sustainable manner to alleviate the problem of trypanosomosis in the area.