ISSN: 2639-2038
Authors: Tulu D*
Trypanosomosis is a protozoan disease, mostly transmitted by the tsetse fly, Glossina spp., which causes severe disease livestock in Ethiopia. The disease results in loss of livestock and agricultural productivity with serious ocioeconomic consequences. Bovine trypanosomosis is widely distributed in western and southwestern part of the country. Six species of trypanosomes are recorded in Ethiopia and the most important trypanosomes in terms of economic loss are the tsetse transmitted species: T. congolense, T. vivax and T. b. brucei. Annual estimated losses for Ethiopia as a result of trypanosomosis is roughly $200 million, in terms of mortality and morbidity losses in livestock excluding the failure to utilize fertile land for crop and livestock production and the costs included in controlling the disease. The pathogenesis of trypanosomosis depends on the pathogenicity of the strains; the host breed, age, sex and skin type. The diagnosis of trypanosomosis includes clinical diagnosis and direct parasitological examination. Bovine trypanosomosis could be treated by trypanocidal drug for therapeutic and prophylactic purpose. Bovine trypanosomosis can be controlled by early treatment of infected animal and vector control. Thus, it is recommended that an appropriate use of trypanocidal drugs, integrated prevention and control program should be implemented to reduce the impact of the disease.
Keywords: Cattle; Ethiopia; Epidemiology; Tsetse fly; Trypanosomosis
