Tsetse density and bovine trypanosomosis in selected sites of Konta, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected sites of Southern Nation, Nationalities and People Regional State (SNNPRS) of Konta, Ethiopia. The purposes of study were to determine the apparent density of tsetse flies and prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis. Ngu traps for entomological survey were deployed at grazing and watering points of animals in the village of Dolba (Kerara Peasants Association, PAS) and near Gojeb River. Assessment of tsetse indicated the presence of Glossina pallidipes with the apparent density 8.45% flies/trap/day. Other biting flies (tabanids) were also caught along with tsetse that transmits trypanosomes mechanically. For parasitological study, a total of 400 blood samples were collected from randomly selected animals and examined for the presence of trypanosomes and indicate overall prevalence of trypanosomosis in study cattle as 12%. The dominant trypanosome species were found Trypanosoma conglonse 29 (60.4%) followed by Trypanosoma vivax 14 (29.2%), Trypanosoma bruci 3 (6.25%) and mixed infection (T. congolonse and T. vivax) of 2 (4.2%). Based on these results it is concluded that trypanosomosis is a major constraint of livestock production in the study area.