Animal Trypanosomosis in Kaura Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria

A survey of animal trypanosomosis in Kaura LGA of Kaduna State was undertaken. Blood samples were collected from 635 animals in five Districts of the LGA. The blood samples collected from different species comprising of 424 cattle, 131 sheep and 80 goats. The samples were examined by wet film (WF), haematocrit centrifugation technique (HCT), buffy coat method (BCM) and thick film (ThF). An overall prevalence rate of 9.4% was recorded in the study. Of this, T. vivax accounted for 7.9% while T. congolense accounted for 1.5%. No T. brucei species was encountered. A number of other haemoparasites were also encountered in the study. These include Babesia 8(1.5%), Anaplasma 8(1.5%) and microfilaria of Onchocerca42(7.9%). The prevalence rates recorded in this study has made it imperative to recommend that Government and policy makers should attach more importance to the problem of animal trypanosomosis. Furthermore, herd owners and villagers should be educated on the importance of cooperation with Veterinary or Livestock Officers in the control of animal trypanosomosis in their communities.