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African trypanosomosis remains one of the major diseases affecting food security and human healthy living in sub-Saharan Africa. This study screened domesticated animals for the presence of pathogenic trypanosomes in 1,050 slaughtered animals comprising 858 and 100 cattle respectively from Zango and Kawo abattoirs and 92 camels from Zango as Kawo abattoir neither slaughters nor sell camel meat. Both abattoirs are government-owned and located in Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The animals examined were sourced from Bauchi, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, and Chad Republic. Blood samples were collected from each animal at the point of slaughter and examined using the buffy coat technique and Leishman-stained thick film for trypanosome identification. Packed cell volume (PCV) determination was conducted to assess the level of anaemia. Results indicated that 25 cattle and 2 camels (27) had an overall trypanosome infection rate of 2.57%. The trypanosomes observed were mainly Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma congolense, and Trypanosoma vivax. This study showed that sources of livestock slaughtered at various abattoirs can be a useful indicator in quantifying trypanosomosis risk. Continuous sensitization and awareness creation among the herders at the grass-root level is recommended for effective disease management towards increased livestock production and productivity required to sustain the rural economy and improve the livelihoods of the local populace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study assessed livestock for human and animal infective trypanosomes in seven remote communities of Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria. Blood samples collected at random from 330 cattle and 20 sheep were examined using the buffy coat technique and Leishman stained thin film. Packed cell volume and differential leukocyte counts were determined and interviews conducted. Animals examined showed clinical symptoms; emaciation (2%), rough hair coat (0.57%), body weakness (3.14%), ocular discharge (1.43%), dermatophylosis (0.57%) and ticks (0.57%). Leishman stained thin blood films indicated 34 cattle (9.71%) infected with Trypanosoma congolense, 0% infection in sheep and 100% slides positive for Anaplasma and Babesia parasites with no Trypanosoma brucei species. Anaemia was recorded in male cattle between 1year and 10 years old and was statistically significant (p<0.05). Acute inflammatory responses revealed by neutrophilia, lymphocytopaenia and lymphocytosis; 21.81%, 1.51% and 10% respectively in cattle suggested underlying bacterial or parasitic infections. All (100%) herdsmen confirmed presence of tsetse and other biting flies in bush and canopies around water bodies and stated observable signs and symptoms of trypanosomiasis (samore) which could wipe off the whole herd if untreated. Risk of trypanosome infection remained high as long as the old systems of cattle rearing exist; and urinary schistosomiasis and intestinal ailments due to lack of access to clean and portable water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the presence of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in livestock to ascertain their reservoir role and also screened for other pathogenic trypanosomes of animals in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger state, Nigeria. A total of 460 livestock comprising (cattle, sheep, goats, and dogs) selected at random were bled, examined using the buffy coat and Giemsa stained thin film and packed cell volume estimated. Questionnaire was filled for each animal on demography, awareness and management practices. An overall prevalence of 2.17% with Trypanosoma brucei, T. congolense, T. vivax and a mixed infection of T. brucei and T. congolense observed microscopically awaiting characterization. Interviews revealed high awareness (82.8%) of tsetse and trypanosomiasis described as bush disease and abortion in four cows. The PCV values were within the normal range, however, a significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed in sheep aged 7months to 4years in two communities. Therefore, the study indicated the presence of T. brucei and other trypanosomes suggesting that animal trypanosomiasis is still a problem to animal health and wellbeing in the study area. The study recommends effective integrated chemotherapy and vector control including livestock rearing under intensive management system to boost livestock production and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]