Abstract
A longitudinal study was conducted within a cattle ranch in Gabon to determine the diminazene aceturate (Berenil) index (DAI) in a group of Zebu, raised under low tsetse density; this measure providing an assessment of trypanosomiasis risk. The objective was to evaluate the trypanosomiasis pressure thus informing trypanosomiasis control methods and cattle management. Twenty female adult Zebu were monitored for 24 weeks during the dry season. Blood samples were collected on a weekly basis and subjected to parasitological and haematological analysis (n = 480), using the buffy-coat method and the packed cell volume value (PCV), respectively, infected animals were treated with a single intramuscular injection of diminazene aceturate (8 mg/kg). Twenty-nine single infectious events were recorded and a DAI of 1.45 was calculated. Two trypanosome species were identified: Trypanosoma congolense (96.2%) and Trypanosoma vivax (3.8%). The mean PCV value of the infected animals was lower (26.6) compared to non-infected animals (32.0). This study shows that DAI may be a useful tool to assess trypanosomiasis. However, this is a time-consuming method that may be improved by using randomly selected sentinel animals to adapt the chemoprophylactic schemes, hence decreasing the costs and the drug resistance risk.
Highlights
African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT or nagana) is a disease endemic to much of sub-Saharan Africa, estimated to cost 35 million US dollars yearly to the owners of the 60 million cattle at risk of infection (Kristjanson et al 1999; Swallow 2000)
This study shows that diminazene aceturate (Berenil) index (DAI) may be a useful tool to assess trypanosomiasis
A study was conducted over a 24-week period in a cattle ranch in Gabon to estimate the DAI and the Trypanosoma spp. prevalence among 20 Zebu; at baseline, 13 animals were infected, and following clearance of infection after the initial treatment with trypanocide a further, 29 instances of trypanosomiasis were recorded over the 6month study period
Summary
African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT or nagana) is a disease endemic to much of sub-Saharan Africa, estimated to cost 35 million US dollars yearly to the owners of the 60 million cattle at risk of infection (Kristjanson et al 1999; Swallow 2000). The disease is caused by a flagellated protozoan parasite belonging to the order Trypanosomatidae, genus Trypanosoma; namely Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma vivax and to a lesser extent Trypanosoma brucei (Blood et al 2007). Intermittent fever attacks, oedema, abortion, emaciation, lymphadenopathy and a decreased fertility milk production and ability to work are observed (OIE 2013; Murray et al 1991).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
