Periodic Variation in Trypanosoma Infection Rates in Trade Small Ruminants at Slaughter in Kaduna Central Abattoir

摘要

The prevalence of trypanosomoses in trade small ruminant such as sheep and goats slaughtered at in Kaduna state central abattoir was investigated for the periods; before, during and after the rainy season. Parasitological and concentration methods were used to detect trypanosomes in the blood collected from the jugular vein of slaughtered animals. A total of 347 goats and 172 sheep were screened and the Packed Cell Volume (PCV) was determined. The overall infection rate was 1.54%. However, the infection rates during the rainy season (2.08%), were higher than before the rainy season (1.08%) and after the rainy season (1.05%). The infection rates in females (1.98%) were higher than that of males (0.93%). The overall infection rate in goats (1.73%) were higher than in sheep (1.16%). The infection rates in goats during the rainy season were higher than before and after the rainy season. The infection rates in rams were higher than the in does and the infection rates in nanny goats were higher than in Billy. In this study, the infection rates were higher during the rainy season and lowest during the dry season with Trypanosma congolense the dominant infective trypanosome in this study followed by T. brucei and T. vivax. Infection rates observed here were relatively high and confirmed the resurgence of animal trypanosomosis in the country, its threat to sustainable livestock production and the rural economy.