The public health significance of trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) in Nigeria.

Although trypanosomiasis is no longer a major public health problem in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it nevertheless remains a significant economic bane to farmers whose livestock suffer high morbidity and mortality and a significant loss of weight. This disease probably leaves many Nigerians, without adequate protein intake either from lost beef or from the inability of the cattle to produce milk. Ford (1970) stated that trypanosomiasis may be what is holding back the development of large areas of Africa--a statement which has credence especially when viewed in terms of the thousands of square miles of Nigeria which remain under the infestation of tsetse--land which could be employed in food production. It is therefore important that the history, epidemiology and control methods for this disease be reviewed from time to time in an attempt to ensure that the surveillance mechanisms in place are functional.