Research Article

Health science

PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF TRYPANOSOMOSIS IN CAMELS IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF AFAR NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE, NORTH EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Camel trypanosomiasis or surra, is a life-threatening disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi, 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 with the aim of estimating the prevalence of camel trypanosomiasis (surra) and assessing of associated risk factors in Dubti and Asayita districts of Afar region, Ethiopia. Blood samples were collected from randomly selected 200 camels. Wet film blood smears and Giemsa-stain were used for the detection of trypanosomes. Out of 200 examined camels, 9(4.5%) were positive for Trypanosoma evansi. Higher prevalence of the disease was recorded in Dubti (6.97%) than in Asayita (2.63%). Camels of >4years age group (7.47%) showed higher prevalence of infection compared to those with <4years (1.07%). According to logistic regression analysis, previously aborted camels were found at higher risk (p= 0.698; OR=5.11, 95% CI = 1.174- 22.317). The Chi-square analysis showed that, there was no statistically significant difference between body condition categories and herd size of camels with the occurrence of the disease (X 2=3.839; p=0.147,) and (X 2=0.718; p= 0.698) respectively. The number of animals with lower PCV (anemic) was 49% and those with normal PCV were 51%. The result of this study revealed that camel trypanosomiasis was prevalent in the study area. Thus, designing of the control and prevention strategies with further identifying risk factors is desirable