Screening for Pathogenic Trypanosomes in Cattle and Camels Slaughtered at Zango and Kawo Abattoirs, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

African trypanosomosis remains one of the major diseases affecting food security and human healthy living in sub-Saharan Africa. This study screened domesticated animals for the presence of pathogenic trypanosomes in 1,050 slaughtered animals comprising 858 and 100 cattle respectively from Zango and Kawo abattoirs and 92 camels from Zango as Kawo abattoir neither slaughters nor sell camel meat. Both abattoirs are government-owned and located in Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The animals examined were sourced from Bauchi, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, and Chad Republic. Blood samples were collected from each animal at the point of slaughter and examined using the buffy coat technique and Leishman-stained thick film for trypanosome identification. Packed cell volume (PCV) determination was conducted to assess the level of anaemia. Results indicated that 25 cattle and 2 camels (27) had an overall trypanosome infection rate of 2.57%. The trypanosomes observed were mainly Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma congolense, and Trypanosoma vivax. This study showed that sources of livestock slaughtered at various abattoirs can be a useful indicator in quantifying trypanosomosis risk. Continuous sensitization and awareness creation among the herders at the grass-root level is recommended for effective disease management towards increased livestock production and productivity required to sustain the rural economy and improve the livelihoods of the local populace.