Effect of Flooding on Trypanosome Infection Rates in Trade Cattle at Central Abattoir, Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, North Central Nigeria

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine trypanosome infection rates in cattle brought to Makurdi central abattoir during a devastating flooding of 2012.

Study Design: Cattle of mixed sexes and breeds were randomly sampled three times a week.

Place and Duration of Study: The investigation which covered the months of September and October was carried out at the Wurrukum central abattoir, South Bank, Makurdi, administrative headquarters of Benue state, North Central Nigeria.

Methodology: Blood samples collected into plastic sample bottles containing EDTA anticoagulant were used for parasitological diagnosis using concentration methods and haematological investigation.

Results: Trypanosome infection rate in cattle was 13.1% which was adjudged three times higher than the average national trypanosome prevalence rate and the result of previous larger surveys obtained from within this area. The dominant infecting trypanosome specie was Trypanosoma vivax (42.4%), followed by T. brucei (28.6%). Infected cattle had lower PCV(28.2±1.6%) compared to those of apparently negative animals (38.1±4.7%).

Conclusion: Previous data had associated wet or rainy seasons with increased tsetse fly density and trypanosomosis outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa. It was therefore concluded that extended wet season associated with flooding might have created a conducive environment for breeding of tsetse and other haematophagous flies thereby increasing fly-animal contacts and trypanosome infection rates in the cattle.