Association of tsetse control with health and productivity of cattle in the Didessa Valley, western Ethiopia

Abstract

A total of 854 cattle, equivalent to 1099 animal-years, were monitored over a period of 2 calendar years (June 1990–June 1992) in four villages in the Didessa Valley (western Ethiopia) to assess possible associations between the tsetse control program and the health and productivity of local zebu cattle kept under traditional management. The four villages had different levels of trypanosomosis prevalence. The initial and final cattle population compositions showed that male adult cattle accounted for the highest proportion in all villages as they were kept primarily for draught power. Standardized mortality rates differed among villages. The risks of cattle dying in the tsetse unprotected villages ranged from 4 to 9 times higher than in the tsetse protected village (Meti ). Recorded calving rates were 81% for the single protected village and 64% for the highest of the unprotected villages. The: estimated offtake rates were in opposite directions: a positive 16% in Meti (tsetse protected village ) versus a negative 18% in the nearest tsetse unprotected village to Meti. Thus, there are strong suggestions that the tsetse control has affected the health and productivity of cattle in the valley.