Survey of Animal Trypanosomosis and Biting Flies in Parts of Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey of tsetse and animal trypanosomosis was carried out in five settlements: Lim, Birim, Yuli, Kungibar and Yankari game reserve of Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi state, Nigeria. A total of 448 blood samples were collected between February and March, 2008. Blood samples were examined for trypanosomes using Giemsa stained thick and thin smear method and the Haematocrit Centrifugation Techique (HCT). The results obtained showed that the overall prevalence of trypanosomosis and other haemoparasites in the study area was 51%. Trypanosoma vivax was the most predominant trypanosome species found (39.1%) and is statistically significant in male than in female (p< 0.05). Vector investigation in the study areas showed, that a total of 77 biting flies were caught using Biconical and Nitse traps.Glossina tachinoides was the most abundant vector with a catch of 60(78.8%);Glossina palpalis 10(13.0%); Tabanids 3(4.0%); Stomoxys 3(4.0%) and Chrysop 1(1.0%).The parasites have no significant difference (p>0.05) between different  settlements where samples were collected. The public health importance of this survey is discussed.

Keywords: Tsetse, Trypanosomosis, Game reserve, Public health importance.