The impact of African animal trypanosomosis and tsetse on the livelihood and well-being of cattle and their owners in the BICOT study area of Nigeria

Abstract

Nasarawa State, and most especially Lafia Local Government Area of the state which is the study area, is an area with huge agricultural potentials. In order therefore to assess the impact of African animal trypanosomosis and its vectors, entomological, epidemiological and questionnaire surveys were carried out within the area covered by the Biological Control of Tsetse Fly Project (BICOT). The project area covers approximately 1,500 sq. km of land. Epidemiological surveys were carried out by taking blood samples of 200 slaughter cattle and 200 settled cattle followed by parasitological examination of these samples, using thin and thick blood smears, the haematocrit centrifugation and Buffy coat techniques. Entomological surveys were also conducted using the blue biconical traps. The traps were set at an interval of about 250 m (depending on vegetation) along the river system within the study area. The questionnaire survey involve the use of structured questionnaire to collect information on the impact of African Animal trypanosomosis and its vector on the livelihood and well-being of cattle and their owners in the study area. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered during the study period. The impacts assessed include knowledge about African Animal trypanosomosis and its vectors, their effects on cattle and owner’s income, and treatment of the disease and willingness to participate in control of the vectors among others. All species of pathogenic trypanosomes were identified during the epidemiological survey. 18 (9%) and 21 (10.5%) of blood samples from settled and slaughter cattle being positive for trypanosomosis respectively. The entomological surveys revealed the presence of Glossina palpalis palpalisand Glossina tachninoides as the main glossina species in the area. In all, 466 tsetse flies were caught out of which 454 were G. p. palpalis. The result of dissection showed that 9 (1.9%) of the total flies caught were positive for trypanosomes. 185 out of the 200 questionnaires administered were returned. Between 152 (82.2%) and 165 (89.2%) of the respondents were aware of the negative impact of African Animal trypanosomes and its vector on their livelihood and the well-being of their cattle. Some of such impacts mentioned include poor growth, ill health, disturbance, emaciation, anemia and eventually death, all of which resulted in losses to the farmers. Because of the importance of livestock farming in providing livelihood for the respondents and their family, 142 (about 77%) are prepared to make commitment to livestock development programme such as vector control. Key words: Trypanosomosis, tsetse fly, Impact, cattle owners.