Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Trypanosoma evansi in Camels in Ethiopia Based on Parasitological Examinations

Abstract

Camel trypanosomosis (surra), caused by Trypanosoma evansi , is a life-threatening disease with negative impacts on health, production, and working efficiency of camels in different camel-rearing areas of the world, including Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2016 to May 2017 to determine the prevalence of camel trypanosomosis (surra) and assess the associated potential risk factors in Dubti and Asayita districts of Afar region, Ethiopia. Blood samples were collected from 200 camels. Wet film and Giemsa-stained blood smears were used for the detection of trypanosomes. Out of 200 examined, 9(4.5%) were positive for Trypanosoma evansi. The higher prevalence of the disease was observed in Dubti (6.97%) than in Asayita (2.63%) districts. Highest infection was observed in the age group >4 years old camels (7.47%), followed by <4 years old camels (1.07%). Previously aborted camels were found at higher risk (P=0.03; OR = 5.11, 95% CI = 1.174–22.317) than camels without an abortion history. There was no statistically significant difference in between body condition categories and herd size of camels with the occurrence of the disease (X2 = 3.839; P=0.147 and X2 = 0.718; P=0.698), respectively. The result of the current study revealed that camel trypanosomosis is substantially prevalent in the study area, indicating the need for designing control and prevention strategies.

Serological survey and associated risk factors' analysis of Trypanosomiasis in camels from Southern Tunisia

“…This result agrees with the surveys of Lemecha ( Lemecha et al, 2008 ), and Delafosse ( Delafosse and Doutoum, 2004 ) that revealed the increase of the infection with T. evansi in young camels ( Delafosse and Doutoum, 2004 ; Lemecha et al, 2008 ). However, our finding differs from other studies where old camels were slightly more likely to be infected with T. evansi ( Atarhouch et al, 2003 ; Bogale et al, 2012 ; Gerem et al, 2020 ). In contrast to our study, other researchers report no significant difference in the prevalence between age groups ( Benaissa et al, 2020 ; Boushaki et al, 2019 ; Pacholek et al, 2000 ).…”

Camel Trypanosomosis in Yabelo and Gomole Districts in Ethiopia: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors Based on Parasitological Examinations

“…This might be associated with the agroecology of the Gomole district which has several animal watering points and the presence of different size trees and shrubs along with year-round natural or artificial lakes and ponds. In agreement with the present finding, Gerem et al 2 found a statistically insignificant difference between the districts. Even though a statistically insignificant difference was observed between age groups, a higher prevalence of camel trypanosomosis was recorded in young camel.…”

“…An overall 3.9% prevalence of camel trypanosomosis recorded in the present study agreed with the prevalence stated by Kassa et al 8 4.4% and Tadesse et al 20 3.5% in the Fentale district and Jijiga zone, respectively. Comparable prevalence of trypanosomosis was also documented by Gerem et al 2 and Gerem and Hamid 21 4.5% in selected districts of the Afar region. The low prevalence observed in the current study and previous ones may be related to regular treatment and avoiding the movement of camel herds to insect challenges areas.…”

“…Camel is the notable varied species of animal within the arid areas of Asia and Africa, significantly within the arid lowlands of countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea, and Djibouti. 1 , 2 The camel population in the world has been estimated as about 35 million and more than 95% of these were found in developing countries. 3 Ethiopia has about 2 million camels and most of them were kept in southeastern pastoral areas of the country.…”

Bovine Trypanosomiasis Epidemiology and Tsetse Fly Density in Jimma Arjo District, East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

“…Katabazi et al,24 from Lira District of Uganda and 4.17% by Kivali et al,25 from Western Kenya. Similarly, Gerem et al26 reported the overall prevalence of 4.5% of camel trypanosomiasis from Asayita and Dubti area of Afar region. Relatively lower prevalence rate was reported by Girma et al 27 who reported 1.3% in and around Arbaminch area.…”