PREVALENCE OF CAMEL TRYPANOSOMOSIS AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF BALE ZONE, ETHIOPIA
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2007-06
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Abstract
A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of camel trypanosomoses and to identify the risk factors associated with the disease occurrence in Dello-mena and Sawena districts of Bale zone. Blood samples were collected from 619 camels and examined for the presence of T. evansi using card agglutination test for trypanosomiasis (CATT / T. evansi), and a parasite detection test (buffy coat smear – BCS). Clinical examinations as well as questionnaire survey, regarding information about the host and management practices were conducted. Questionnaire survey results indicated that high milk production, bush encroachment as well as the ability to survive drought are the major reasons for camel keeping. Camel trypanosomoses locally known as “Dhukan” is the most important complaint of camel breeders. Respondents clearly described the diseases and ranked it as the most important disease of camel in the study area. The prevalence of the disease was found to be 12.12% using buffy coat smear and 24.88% with CATT. Camels in Dello-mena had a significantly higher prevalence than camels in Sawena district in both BCS and CATT / T. evansi examination results. Thus it was found that camels in riverine areas of Dello-Mena are more at risk of infection than herds in non-riverine areas of Sawena. Age appeared to be a risk factor for individual trypanosomoses serological status and that the highest seroprevalence was observed in camels greater than five years old. Poor body condition was significantly correlated with positive status in both CATT and BCS results. The average PCV of parasitological positive camels was found to be significantly different from the average PCV of parasitological negative camels. However, the average PCV of seropositive but parasitological negative camels did not differ from the average PCV of seronegative camels. From the result of this study it can be inferred that camel trypanosomoses is endemic in dello-mena and Sawena districts with a higher degree of prevalence in Dello-mena than Sawena district. Absence of proper animal health extension and the indiscriminate use of camel trypanocidal drugs often underdosed are major constraints in camel health delivery in the study area. Thus, attention has to be given to provide adequate veterinary service and sensible animal health extension systems. Furthermore, considering the widespread existence of surra and its impact on camel productivity further study on identification of the principal vector species responsible for transmission and investigating the potential for vector control is recommended.
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Camel, trypanosomossis, BCS, CATT/T.evansi, Dello-mena