Abstract

Introduction: Trypanosoma evansi the cause of Surra is an important haemoprotozoan disease of economic importance that affect wide range of host. The study aimed at assessing the prevalence of T. evansi in cattle in Borno and Gombe states, Nigeria.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 455 apparently healthy cattle in the study areas and examined for T. evansi using thin stained blood smears and haematocrit centrifuge techniques.

Results: An overall prevalence rate of 11.8 % and 9.0%, were detected in Gombe and Borno States, respectively. Yamaltu Deba local government area recorded higher prevalence of 6.9% than 2.0% in Gombe (LGA ) of Gombe State, while Konduga LGA recorded higher prevalence of 4.2% than the 1.6% in Jere LGA of Borno State. The White Fulani breed had higher prevalence of 11.1% compared to 0.7% for Bokoloji in Gombe State. While in Borno State, the Red Bororo recorded higher prevalence of 6.1% than 2.9% in Wadara. Based on age, the adult recorded higher prevalence of 8.4% and 7.6% in Borno and Gombe States, respectively, compared to the younger ones. Moreover, the prevalence of T. evansi based on sex of cattle revealed higher prevalence rate in male (15.2%) compared to the female (9.0%) in Gombe State, while higher in female (12.4%) compared to male cattle (6.3%) in Borno State. The association between breed, age, sex and the prevalence of infection was not significant (p > 0.05).

Significance: This study will assist in providing reference data on the prevalence of T. evansi in cattle in the study area.

Keywords: Trypanosoma evansi, Prevalence, Natural infection, Borno, Gombe

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