Review on African Animal Trypanosomosis and its Control Measures

Abstract

Africa animal trypanosomosis is the main haemoparasitic disease in domestic animals and is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma. The parasite is transmitted biologically by the tsetse fly (Glossina species) and biting flies. T. vivax and T. congolense mainly infect livestock and T. brucei infects both humans and animal. In Ethiopia, animal trypanosomosis is among the most important diseases limiting livestock productivity and agricultural development due to its high prevalence in the most arable and fertile land of South west and Northwest part of the country following the greater river basins of Abay, Omo, Ghibe and Baro, which has a high potential for agricultural development. African animal trypanosomosis is most important in cattle but can cause serious losses in pigs, camels, goats and sheep.Trypanosomosis in livestock causes great losses in terms of mortality, abortion, reduced fertility, milk and meat production and ability to work as traction animals. There are three main strategies for the controlling of Africa animal trypanosomosis. The first is to use drugs to combat the parasite itself, the second is to control vector of disease, tsetse fly which include using live targets (Pour on), dour bait technology (Traps and target) and biological vector control method. The third is exploitation of genetic resistance to trypanosomosis. The incidence of resistance to trypanocidal drugs is apparently increasing and the main means of controlling the disease is therefore under threat.