Veterinary Science & Technology

Prevalence of Bovine Trypanosomosis, Tsetse Density and Farmers Perceptions on the Impact of Control Program in Kellem Wollega Zone, Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Bedaso Kebede Kassaye and Dereje Tsegaye

A study was conducted from November 2011 to April 2012 Dale Wabera and Dale Sadi Districts of Kellem Wollega Zone of western Oromia. The objectives of the study were to assess the owners' perception on the impact of Trypanosomosis and its control, determine the prevalence of bovine Trypanosomosis and to assess the distribution and apparent densities of vectors of the Trypanosomosis. Blood samples from a total of 589 cattle randomly selected indigenous zebu cattle from 6 peasant association were taken and examined with conventional hematological and parasitological techniques. Among the total cattle examined 51(8.7%) animals were found to be positive for trypanosomosis infection. Most of trypanosome positive cases were due to Trypanosoma congolense which accounted for 86.3% and T.vivax which was 9.8%. Eventhough there were variation of infection rates within different age groups and body condition. Mean packed cell volume (PCV) of a parasitaemic animals were significantly lower than those of aparasitaemic (P<0.05). For entomological survey, a total of 100 monoconical traps were deployed in 6 PAs. The apparent density of tsetse flies caught was 4.8 fly per trap per day. A total of 105 villagers were interviewed of which 56 were from Dale Wabera and 49 from Dale Sadi Districts. Based on the interview result, trypanosomosis is the most common disease of livestock disease. About 97% of respondents knew as tsetse flies are transmitter of the disease, about 87.6% of respondents indicate that the sources of trypanocidal drugs are veterinary clinic, while the remaining was bought from private legal and illegal shops. Most of the farmers (88.6%) brought their animal to the veterinary clinic and treat them by animal health science personnel while about 7.6% of farmers were treated by themselves at home. The diminazine aceturate and Isometamidium chloride are the commonly drugs used to treat trypanosomosis.