Abstract:
Trypanosomosis is one of the major protozoans and neglected tropical disease caused by unicellular parasites (Genus: Trypanosoma), found in the blood and other tissues of vertebrates. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Gibe and Gombora districts of Hadya zone, SNNP Region, Ethiopia From April 2022 to February 2023 to estimate prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis with its associated risks factors and to identify the density and diversity of vectors. A total of 412 bovine blood sample were collected randomly and examined using buffy coat technique, thin smear under Giemsa stain and hematologic test (PCV). In addition, questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the farmer perception on bovine trypanosomosis through 100 interviewed farmers. Descriptive statistics, student t-test and logistic regression were used to explain results and analysis of variables. The overall prevalence was 9.47% (39/412). The infection was mainly caused by Trypanosoma congolense, 58.97% and Trypanosoma vivax, 41.03%. Higher prevalence was occured in animals with poor body condition and black coloured animals and the difference was statistically significant. In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference across study districts, kebeles, age categories and sex groups (P> 0.05). The Mean PCV (%) value of infected animals was (19.36±2.91) lower than uninfected animals (25.4±4.9) which was statistically significant. Flies were trapped using 384 baited traps and the overall apparent density of flies was 1944 (2.53 f/t/d). Two species of the genus Glossina (G.morsitans submorsitans (0.97 f/t/d) and G. pallidepes (0.7 f/t/d) and two genera of biting flies (Stomoxy (0.44 f/t/d) and Tabanus (0.42 f/t/d) were caught, identified and estimated in relation to season, altitude levels, vegetation types and trap types. Higher proportion of flies were caught in the riverine vegetation type, altitude level less than 1700, wet/rainy season and conical (monoconica)l traps as compared to associated corresponding factors for vectors. The relative abundance of vectors caught and trypanosoma detected confirmed the continuous challenge of the disease in the settlement areas. Therefore, the ongoing community based vector and trypanosomosis integrated prevention/control strategy should be strengthened in the area.
