Epidemiological Study of Animal Trypanosomosis among Trade Cattle in Adamawa Northern Senatorial Zone, Nigeria

Abstract

African Animal Trypanosomosis is an important parasitic disease of cattle that causes significant economic losses and constrains cattle production. This study determined the prevalence of trypanosomosis among trade cattle in Adamawa Northern Senatorial Zone. A total of 1,031 cattle blood samples were collected and examined using hematocrit centrifugation, thick stained smear, and thin stained smear techniques. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26.0, descriptive statistics, and chi-square test at a 5% significance level. The highest prevalence was recorded among cattle from Cameroon (8.54%), while the lowest was observed in Mubi South (2.07%). No statistically significant association was observed between trypanosomosis prevalence and location, sex, age, or breed. Females had a slightly higher prevalence (5.71%) than males (5.56%), while cattle aged 1–3 years recorded the highest prevalence (6.32%). Sokoto Gudali had the highest breed-specific prevalence (7.69%), whereas no infection was detected in Muturu cattle. Body condition score was significantly associated with trypanosomosis prevalence (χ² = 10.76, p = 0.0046), with poorly conditioned cattle having the highest prevalence (12.15%). Infected cattle had significantly lower mean PCV (23.8 ± 3.5%) than non-infected cattle (31.4 ± 4.2%; p = 0.0024). Trypanosomosis is present among trade cattle in Adamawa Northern Senatorial Zone, with infected cattle largely originating from neighboring countries Cameroon and Chad. Regular surveillance and screening of trade cattle should be strengthened. Diagnostic practices, vector control, treatment, and veterinary services should be improved, while awareness among cattle traders and herders, conservation of trypanotolerant breeds, and further epidemiological investigations should be recommended.