Prevalence of Trypanosomosis in Ruminants in Rivers State and Abia State, Nigeria and the Challenges of Trypanosomosis Control in Goat Production

Abstract

Trypanosomosis is one of the major diseases hindering livestock production in tropical Africa. The disease negatively impacts food production and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. African animal trypanosomosis is a debilitating and often fatal disease of animals, caused by infection with pathogenic protozoan parasites of the genus ‘Trypanosoma’. A recent prevalence study for the infection in ruminants reared in two Southern states of Nigeria (Rivers and Abia) gave zero by the wet mount and buffy coat methods which only suggests low prevalence and may not mean that the infection has been eliminated in the country. More sensitive methods may detect low prevalence. It also suggests that common breeds of ruminants in the area may be genetically resistant to the infection or that they have acquired resistance. Relapse to susceptibility is still possible. So, prophylactic medications and other methods of control for the infection are still necessary for the area.