Farmers’ perception of impacts of bovine trypanosomosis and tsetse fly in selected districts in Baro-Akobo and Gojeb river basins, Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundTrypanosomosis, via causing anaemia, emaciation, production loss and death, is arguably the most important constraint to livestock development in Sub-Saharan countries, including Ethiopia and its impact in Baro-Akobo and Gojeb river basins (endemic areas for tsetse flies) is unknown. This study was carried out from November 2011 to April 2012 to assess farmers’ perception on the presence, impact, management and the need of intervention programs of bovine trypanosomosis and tsetse fly in selected districts located in Baro-Akobo and Gojeb river basins, Southwestern Ethiopia. A standardized questionnaire survey was employed to collect the relevant information from the farmers.ResultsThe result of this study showed that 94.1% of the respondents considered bovine trypanosomosis as an economically important cattle disease which accounted for 64.6% of the total annual deaths in the year 2011/2012. Estimated mean annual financial loss via mortality due to trypanosomosis was reported to be 3501 Ethiopian Birr (US$200)/household. The reported trypanosomosis suggestive signs were consistent with published reports and farmers strongly associated the occurrence of the disease with biting flies (particularly, tsetse fly). Respondents also explained that the seasonality of the disease and its vectors, i.e. May and June are peak risk months of the year. Chemotherapy was reported the major method to combating the problem, mean frequency of treatment being 5.7 times per animal per year. Because of the economic burden of the disease, farmers expressed their strong interest and support for the establishment of intervention program in their area.ConclusionThe study revealed that livestock keepers are familiar with bovine trypanosomosis and its vectors as well as its impacts. Thus, trypanosomosis and tsetse control strategies should be integrated with the local communities’ participation to minimize the impacts of the disease and its vectors in the area.

Survey on knowledge of trypanosomosis amongst livestock farmers in Kachia and Saminaka local government areas of Kaduna state, Nigeria

“…The respondents gave symptoms of the disease to include; foul smell, eye and nose discharges, emaciation and abortion in pregnant ones. This is similar to the report of Catley et al (2002); Grace et al (2009) and Seyoum et al (2013) who observed signs of progressive emaciation, weakness and reduced performance. Seyoum et al (2013) also reported the detection of the disease depends on the experience of the livestock keepers.…”

“…Our studies showed that infections are usually high at the peak of rainy season (AugustSeptember), and associated with the migration of the animals to the forested areas infected with tsetsefly. This finding supports the reports of Seyoum et al (2013) who observed infection to be at peak level of rainy season. Seyoum et al (2013) also reported that wet and warm months of the year favour growth of the vectors and trypanosomes.…”

“…This finding supports the reports of Seyoum et al (2013) who observed infection to be at peak level of rainy season. Seyoum et al (2013) also reported that wet and warm months of the year favour growth of the vectors and trypanosomes. The respondents gave symptoms of the disease to include; foul smell, eye and nose discharges, emaciation and abortion in pregnant ones.…”

“…The study indicated that animals were infected following bites by the tsetsefly which the respondents called locally "Kudan tsando". Seyoum et al (2013) reported similarly findings that most livestock keepers in Gimbo and Guraferda were familiar with bovine trypanosomosis. Our survey revealed that cattle, goats and sheep were the animals mainly affected; this is not surprising as these animals are kept by livestock keepers and normally involved in migration to find food in bushy and forested areas.…”

Factors affecting sustainable animal trypanosomosis control in parts of Kaduna State, Nigeria

“…Many herdsmen (60%) disclosed using trypanocide in sachet found to be Berenil ® purchased from open market and administered by them. This drug has been reported to be widely used by Seyoum et al, (2013) and Anthony and Maikai, (2017). Table 2 shows the analysis of viability or needs, acceptability or belief and validity or perception ratings according to Rous 1993 of TAT control technologies.…”