Prevalence of trypanosomiasis among Trypanotolerant cattle at the lower Benue River area of Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of trypanosome infection among trypanotolerant breeds of cattle (Muturu, N'Dama and Keteku) and their crosses was investigated in the lower Benue area of northern Nigeria. Prevalence was negative in yearlings of all breeds and low in N'Dama (5.9%; confidence interval ( CI) ± 6%), high in Keteku (25%; CI ± 30%) and with an average of 9.0% ( CI ± 3%) in all animals sampled. Trypanosoma vivax was the most predominant species encountered; it was diagnosed in 3.4% of all 268 heads of cattle and accounted for 37.5% of all 24 positive cases. Corresponding figures for T. congolense were 3.0% and 33.3%, respectively. Prevalence was influenced by age and breed (but not sex) of animal, and by intensity of management and season of year. It was highest among old (6–9 year) animals (11.9%; CI ± 9%), extensively managed stock (14.4%; CI ± 6%), cross breeds (12.1%; CI ± 11%) and during the rains (10.2% CI ± 4%). Mean packed cell volume among infected (28.9 ± 5.7%) and healthy (33.0 ± 3.8%) animals did not differ significantly, and clinical signs of the disease were rarely observed. It is suggested that these breeds be incorporated into animal production programmes at the local government level.