Background Trypanosomiasis is a fatal disease that threatens the economy of at least 37 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly with regard to livestock farming. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of trypanosome infection in cattle, and molecularly identified the species of trypanosomes in infected cattle and the spatial distribution of trypanosome-infected herds along the Jebba axis of the River Niger. Methods A randomized cross-sectional study was conducted along the Jebba axis of the River Niger by screening cattle from 36 herd clusters by nested PCR using ITS-1 generic primers. Data generated were analysed using the Chi-square test at a 95% confidence interval. Results Microscopic examination revealed three infected cattle out of 398 examined, representing 0.8% prevalence. Twelve animals (3.0%) were positive by PCR. Our results showed a decline in the packed cell volume of infected animals (24.7%). The infection rates were categorized as single infection in 11/12 (91.7%) and mixed infection in 1/12 (8.3%). Animals were most frequently infected by Trypanosoma congolense (50.0%), with T. congolense Savannah being the most prevalent subspecies (71.4%). Aside from the infection rate by age (10.0%) and relative distance of animals from the River Niger (56.2%), statistical differences in every other parameter tested were based on mere probabilistic chance. Spatial data showed that the disease was prevalent among herds located less than 3 km from the River Niger. Conclusions Six species of trypanosomes were identified in cattle herds along the Jebba axis of the River Niger, with T. congolense being the most prevalent. Age and relative distance of herds from the River Niger may be risk factors for trypanosome infection in cattle herds in this area. Graphical abstract

Background: Trypanosomiasis is a fatal disease that threatens the economy of at least 37 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa most especially livestock farming. In this study, we sought to investigate the prevalence of trypanosome infection in cattle, the potentials of these livestock as reservoirs of human-infective trypanosomes and the spatial distribution of trypanosome infected herds.Methods: The survey was conducted at the midland between the Northern and Southern part of Nigeria, an area perceived to have harboured migrating animals over the years due to insecurity in the north. A randomized cross-sectional study was conducted along the Jebba axis of river Niger, Kwara state by screening cattle from 36 herd clusters by nested PCR using ITS-1 generic primers. Data generated were analyzed using the Chi square test at 95% confidence interval. Results: Microscopic screening identified 3/398 samples representing 0.75% prevalence while twelve animals, representing 3.02% of the 398 sampled were detected as positive by PCR. Our result showed a decline in the PCV of infected animals (24.7%). The infection rate were categorized as single infection 11/12 (91.67%) and mixed infection 1/12 (8.33%). Animals were more susceptible to Trypanosoma congolense infection (50%) with T. congolense Savannah being the most prevalent Sub-specie (71.4%). Consequently, Trypanosome infections were more prevalent among female animals (4.30%), young animals (10.0%), White Fulani breeds (3.7%), animals with residency period of three years or less (3.18%), Transhumance animals (3.6%), animals with the diseases history (4.05%), animals with no history of drug administration (3.1%), animals close to river Niger (56.2%), larger herds (33.3%) and animals that have travelled to trypanosome endemic areas (50.0%). Aside age and distance of animals from river Niger, statistical difference in every other parameter tested were based on mere probabilistic chance. Spatial data showed that the disease is prevalent among herd located in less than 3Km distance from the river Niger which may represent a key risk factor. Conclusion: It is concluded that our study area may not be classified endemic but the epidemiological significance of this finding is that at least cattle populations may play a vital role in the maintenance and possible resurgence of the disease in the study area.