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Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]

Volume 15: 807 - 814. Published March 4, 2009.

Trypanosomosis in the Doayo/Namchi (Bos taurus) and zebu White Fulani (Bos indicus) cattle in Faro Division, North Cameroon

Achukwi MD*^ & Musongong GA**

*Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), Wakwa Regional Centre, Veterinary Research Laboratory. B.P. 65 Ngaoundere, Cameroon;**IRAD Bambui Regional centre, P.O. Box 80 Bamenda, Cameroon.

^Corresponding author e-mail:  achukwi_md@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine infection rates and assess the impact of trypanosomosis on livestock production in Cameroon.
Methodology and results: A total of 296 Namchi/Doayo (Bos taurus) and White Fulani zebu (Bos indicus) cattle sampled in 26 villages within Faro Division, North Cameroon were examined by the Dark ground/phase contrast buffy-coat technique for trypanosome infections. Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and trypanosome parasitaemia levels were also measured. Ongoing trypanosome infections were detected in 14.3% of all animals examined. The infection rate was higher in Doayo (16.4%) than white Fulani (11.9%) cattle but this difference was not significant (P>0.05). Trypanosome parasitaemia was not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the age, sex or breed of animal. T. congolense was the most frequently encountered trypanosome species, closely followed by T. brucei,  Sertaria sp., T. vivax and mixed infections, in that order. The packed cell volume (PCV) was higher in Doayo than White Fulani cattle (P<0.0001) and in younger than older animals of both breeds (P<0.05). PCV was not affected by the trypanosome species or sex of animal (P>0.05).