Preliminary Investigation on the Prevalence of Small Ruminant Trypanosomosis in Selected Communities in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Trypanosomosis is one of the major diseases hindering livestock production in Africa. In Nigeria, several reports have been documented about livestock diseases, with very little attention given to small ruminant trypanosomosis. A study was designed using conventional methods of Trypanosoma species detection and a structured questionnaire to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Perception (KAP) of small ruminants keepers among 70 respondents in two Local Government Areas of Plateau State in North central Nigeria. Several control measures for African Animal Trypanosomosis are available yet, none has achieved the desired results so far. There is therefore, the need for an integrated approach that will involve small ruminants keepers in the decision making, planning and implementation for effective control and better farm yield. The aim was to assess the prevalence rate of trypanosomosis in naturally infected small ruminants and to determine awareness of livestock keepers on the factors contributing to the existence of the infection. A total of 400 blood was sampled from small ruminants yet none was found to be positive for Trypanosoma species by Giemsa stained smears. A high level of awareness of the disease was found among the respondents; 85.7% in Bassa and Jos East Local Government Areas. 78.6% of all respondents identified biting flies as the principal vector of small ruminant trypanosomosis with high preponderance during raining season. The respondents (77.1%) associated weight loss as a clinical sign. Despite the high level of awareness on small ruminant trypanosomosis among the respondents, their neglected attitude of not fully knowing the causative agent needs to be improved. The statistical findings show no level of significance (P>0.05) in the respondents’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practices.